Coaxial Valve Flow Path for Low-Turbulence Packaging Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges in efficiently and accurately controlling the flow of fluid through their work stations, which can lead to issues such as turbulence, fouling, and inadequate pressure control.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a valve system that includes a valve body with a flow channel and a blocking body movable along an axial direction between closed and open positions, allowing fluid to flow through the blocking body in the axial direction when open, thus minimizing deflection and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional valve with a blocking body that prevents fluid flow around it is used, then sealing performance is improved, but fluid turbulence and fouling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve interior is segmented into a bypass channel and a main flow channel. The bypass channel allows fluid to flow around the blocking body when the valve is closed, preventing turbulence and fouling, while the main flow channel ensures proper sealing when the valve is open.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass channel acts as an intermediary path for fluid flow. This intermediate channel allows fluid to circumvent the blocking body during closed valve operation, eliminating the harmful effects of turbulence and fouling while maintaining sealing integrity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate space is provided for the valve body to enter in open position, then fouling is avoided, but device complexity and dead space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass channel is integrated directly into the valve body structure, merging the fouling-prevention function with the existing valve architecture. This eliminates the need for separate spaces or additional components, reducing device complexity while avoiding fouling.
3Reliability
If the blocking body is oriented perpendicular to the axial direction in closed position, then sealing is improved, but force resistance during movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is moved from the axial dimension to the radial dimension. The blocking body maintains radial sealing contact with the valve seat while its axial movement is facilitated by reduced pressure differential in the axial direction, allowing it to overcome forces more easily.
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 solution enables efficient and accurate control of fluid flow, reducing fouling and turbulence, while allowing for smooth and fast movement of the blocking body, thus enhancing the operational reliability and precision of the packaging machine.
Implementation Method 1
When the blocking body is in the closed position, there may be different pressure conditions in the flow channel on opposite sides of the blocking body. Due to the different pressure conditions, a force can act on the blocking body.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging machine comprises at least one work station for processing at least one packaging part. The work station comprises a fluid line. The packaging machine comprises a valve for controlling a flow of fluid through the fluid line. The packaging machine comprises a control system for controlling the valve. The valve comprises a valve body with a flow channel. The valve comprises a blocking body which is movable in the flow channel along an axial direction between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position a flow of fluid through the flow channel is prevented and in the open position a flow of fluid through the flow channel is enabled. The blocking body is configured to be flowed through by the fluid in the axial direction in the open position of the blocking body.