Check Valve Closing Element with Flow-Optimized Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves with ball closing elements suffer from turbulence, vibrations, noise, and unstable flow coefficients, leading to wear and tear, contamination, and high production costs due to multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design featuring a closing element with a flow-optimized conical zone A, a dome-shaped zone B, and a radius that merges into a straight line in zone C, minimizing resistance and turbulence, and allowing for a stable position and easy spring installation, with guide ribs and optional blades for self-cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball is used as a closing element, then optimal sealing is achieved, but turbulence and vibrations occur causing wear and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is divided into functionally distinct zones: zone A with flow-optimized contour for laminar flow, zone B with dome shape for sealing, and zone C for structural stability. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the closing element are given different geometric properties: zone A has a streamlined contour for flow optimization, zone B has a spherical dome for sealing contact, and zone C has a cylindrical shape for stability. Each local region is optimized for its specific function.
2Reliability
If a ball closing element is used, then sealing is optimized, but the flow coefficient becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is divided into functionally distinct zones: zone A with flow-optimized contour for laminar flow, zone B with dome shape for sealing, and zone C for structural stability. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is designed to rotate slightly during operation, with zone A leading the rotation. This dynamic behavior allows the element to adapt to flow conditions while maintaining stable flow coefficient through the streamlined contour of zone A.
3Reliability
If a ball closing element is used, then sealing is achieved, but spring installation becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is designed with a cylindrical zone C that serves multiple functions: it provides structural stability, enables rotation, and creates a clearance space that accommodates spring installation. This multi-functionality allows the same closing element design to work with or without springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring can be nested within the clearance created by zone C of the closing element and the valve housing. The cylindrical shape of zone C provides a natural space for spring placement without requiring additional components or modifying the basic ball structure.
4Loss of energy
If a flow-optimized contour is used in zone A, then resistance is minimized, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is designed as a one-piece construction where zones A, B, and C are integrated into a single molded or machined component. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and complex assembly, making production easier while maintaining the flow-optimized contour of zone A.
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
This design ensures optimal sealing, reduced noise, stable flow coefficients, and lower production costs by minimizing turbulence and allowing for easy spring integration, while maintaining constant flow and preventing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
The circumference or diameter of the outer contour in zone A increases in the direction of flow until zone A merges into zone B, so that a laminar flow is guaranteed.
Implementation Method 2
the closing element (3) containing a zone A (34) in which the outer contour has a flow-optimized shape and a zone B (35) in which the outer contour has a dome shape
Implementation Method 3
a bearing, the bearing being arranged concentrically in the valve housing by ribs and is fastened
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Check valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) in which a one-piece closing element (3) is located, which is arranged to be displaceable by the flow medium and in the closed position bears against a profile seal (5) of a sealing section (7), wherein the closing element is guided by a bearing (10), wherein the bearing is arranged concentrically in the valve housing by means of ribs (11), wherein the closing element comprises a zone A (34) in which the outer contour has a flow-optimized shape and a zone B (35) in which the outer contour has a spherical shape, and the zones A and B are arranged one behind the other and flow smoothly into each other.