Check Valve Flapper Stop Arrangement Mitigates Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves with unitary flapper constructions often experience premature wear and damage due to uneven force distribution and adverse bending stresses when the primary flapper elements contact the secondary flapper elements in the open position, leading to reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
The check valve design incorporates a modified stop arrangement where both primary and secondary flapper elements contact a stop element with strategically placed bumpers or recesses, providing clearance between them to mitigate these issues, thereby preventing direct contact and distributing forces more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the primary flapper element contacts the secondary flapper element in the open position, then the flapper opening is closed, but uneven force distribution and adverse bending stresses occur leading to premature wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stop element as an intermediary component between the primary and secondary flapper elements. The stop element has a first engagement surface that contacts the primary flapper element and a second engagement surface that contacts the secondary flapper element, thereby mediating the force transmission and preventing direct contact between the two flapper elements. This resolves the technical contradiction by eliminating stress concentration while maintaining the closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the force transmission path by introducing the stop element as a separate component. Instead of the primary flapper element directly contacting the secondary flapper element, the force is segmented into two separate contact points: one between the primary flapper and stop element, and another between the stop element and secondary flapper element. This segmentation prevents adverse bending stresses and uneven force distribution.
2Productivity
If the flappers are hingedly supported to rotate between closed and open positions, then fluid flow control is achieved, but impact forces cause wear and damage at contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is positioned in advance to intercept the primary flapper element before it can contact the secondary flapper element. The stop element's engagement surfaces are designed to distribute impact forces evenly, providing beforehand cushioning that prevents concentrated impact forces and wear at critical contact points, thereby protecting the flapper elements while maintaining flow control functionality.
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 enhances the durability and service life of the check valve by reducing stress concentrations and preventing damage from impact, allowing for smoother operation and extended functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The stop element, the primary flapper element and secondary flapper element are configured such that when the flapper is in the open position and in contact with the stop element, both the primary and secondary flapper elements contact the stop element and a clearance is provided between the primary flapper element and the secondary flapper element of the flapper.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A check valve including a valve housing defining a pair of valve openings; a pair of flappers pivotably mounted for rotation relative to the housing between an open position in which they permit fluid flow through the respective valve openings and a closed position in which they prevent fluid flow through the valve openings; and a stop element arranged such that the flappers will contact the stop element in their open positions. Each flapper includes a primary flapper element pivotally mounted to a hinge pin that extends across the valve, and a secondary flapper element. The primary flapper element further includes at least one flapper opening formed therethrough. The secondary flapper element is pivotally mounted such that it may rotate relative to the primary flapper element for opening and closing the at least one flapper opening in the primary flapper element. The stop element, the primary flapper element and secondary flapper element are configured such that when the flapper is in the open position and in contact with the stop element, both the primary and secondary flapper elements contact the stop element and a clearance is provided between the primary flapper element and the secondary flapper element of the flapper.