Check Valve Clapper Cam-Arm Assembly for Dynamic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves lack dynamic opening properties and make maintenance difficult due to high pressures in fluid flow systems, where elements downstream of the fluid flow can impede fluid flow, leading to issues with the valve remaining open when upstream pressure indicates otherwise.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design featuring a clapper assembly with a roller and cam-arm arrangement, where a torsion spring applies a biasing force to the cam arm in the upstream direction, allowing the clapper assembly to obstruct the flow path effectively and facilitating maintenance by allowing the clapper assembly to be accessed downstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the check valve uses strong biasing forces to withstand high pressures, then the valve can reliably stop fluid flow, but the valve lacks dynamic opening properties and makes maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam arm is made rotatable relative to the clapper assembly, transforming the static clapper mechanism into a dynamic one. The cam arm can rotate to different positions (engaged with the roller for normal operation, disengaged for maintenance) to provide both reliable flow stopping and dynamic opening capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is divided into separable components: the clapper assembly can be detached from the valve body, and the cam arm can be rotated to disengage from the roller. This segmentation allows maintenance to be performed on the clapper assembly without shutting down the entire system
2Device complexity
If the check valve uses a traditional clapper design, then the structure is simple, but maintenance is difficult due to high pressures and downstream positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The clapper assembly is made a separable component that can be detached from the valve body. The cam arm can be rotated to disengage from the roller, allowing the clapper assembly to be removed for maintenance without affecting the rest of the valve structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable cam arm provides a mechanical means to easily detach and reattach the clapper assembly, transforming maintenance from a complex high-pressure operation into a simple mechanical detachment process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The check valve achieves dynamic opening properties by allowing the clapper assembly to open when fluid pressure reaches the cracking point, ensuring the valve remains open under appropriate upstream pressure conditions, while also simplifying maintenance by allowing downstream access to key components.
Implementation Method 1
a first extension extending from the clapper assembly in an upstream direction, the first extension comprising a roller
Implementation Method 2
a torsion spring operatively connected to the cam arm so as to apply a biasing force to the cam arm in the upstream direction
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve may include: a check seat defining a flow path; a clapper assembly hingedly connected to the check seat and configured to obstruct the flow path, including: a clapper and a seal retainer detachably mounted to the clapper; a first extension extending from the clapper assembly in an upstream direction and having a roller; a cam arm rotatable relative to the clapper assembly and configured to engage with the roller; and a torsion spring operatively connected to the cam arm so as to apply a biasing force to the cam arm in the upstream direction. The biasing force may be imparted to the clapper assembly via the cam arm and roller, so that the clapper assembly obstructs the flow path.