Coaxial Flow Control Valve Scale Reset Without Larger Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow control valves with indicator rings have a central axis eccentrically positioned, leading to increased size and a need for larger casings, which hinders space-saving requirements.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring a scale body and clutch mechanism that allows for reduced size by integrating the scale reading part with the knob, using a cam surface and cam copying projection to change scale marks without altering the overall size, and employing resistance generating projections to prevent co-rotation during scale mark changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the indicator ring is positioned eccentrically to indicate the opening degree, then the indication function is achieved, but the valve size increases and requires a larger casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indicator ring with the shaft portion by providing tooth portions on the inner circumference of the indicator ring that engage with engagement portions on the shaft portion. This merging allows the indicator ring to rotate synchronously with the shaft portion, accurately indicating the opening degree while maintaining a compact valve structure without requiring eccentric positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator ring is nested within the casing and rotates around the same central axis as the shaft portion. The indicator ring is positioned inside the valve body structure, utilizing the existing spatial arrangement to provide indication functionality without increasing the overall valve dimensions or requiring a larger casing.
2Volume of moving object
If the scale body is positioned coaxially with the knob, then the valve size is reduced, but the scale marks cannot be changed during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism that dynamically switches between two states: a locked state where the scale body rotates with the shaft portion, and an unlocked state where the scale body remains stationary while the shaft portion rotates independently. This allows scale marks to be changed during operation by temporarily disengaging the clutch, enabling the scale body to be reset to zero while maintaining a compact coaxial structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism allows temporary disconnection (discarding) of the rotational connection between the shaft portion and scale body during scale mark changes, then reconnection (recovering) to resume synchronized rotation. This enables the scale marks to be updated without permanently altering the compact coaxial structure.
3Ease of operation
If the shaft portion moves axially to release clutch engagement, then scale mark changes are enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the rotational position of the shaft portion itself. As the shaft portion rotates, its own movement causes the clutch engagement and disengagement, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems. The system uses its own operational motion to trigger the scale mark reset function.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the shaft portion rotation and the scale body rotation. It mediates the transmission of rotational motion, allowing the shaft portion to rotate independently when needed while still maintaining the ability to transmit motion to the scale body when required, thereby enabling scale mark changes without direct complex control.
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
Enables a compact flow control valve that accurately indicates the opening degree of the channel with a needle valve while maintaining reduced dimensions, enhancing space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cam surface that is provided so as to be fixed to the body and that extends annularly around the axis, and a cam copying projection that is provided on the shaft portion and that rotates around the axis to slide on the cam surface
Implementation Method 2
a coil spring that constantly urges the shaft portion toward the other side in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
a gear portion that is provided on the scale body and that makes up part of the clutch mechanism together with the meshing portion, and that rotates around the axis by transmitting rotation of the knob to the scale body through engagement with the meshing portion
Implementation Method 4
a needle valve that is disposed coaxially with the knob in the body and that adjusts an opening degree of the channel by moving in the axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
[Object] To provide a flow control valve capable of indicating the opening degree of a channel and able to be reduced in size. [Solution] A flow control valve (10) adjusts an opening degree of a second channel (16b) in a first body by moving a needle valve (27) in a first axis direction in accordance with a rotating operation amount of a knob (32) provided rotatably at one end of the first body (12) extending in a first axis (L1) direction, and includes a scale body (70) having scale marks that indicate a rotating operation amount of the knob, a scale reading part (34) that indicates the scale mark corresponding to the rotating operation amount of the knob, a shaft portion (40) that moves in the first axis direction with respect to the knob and that rotates integrally around the first axis, and a clutch mechanism that changes the scale mark when the knob is rotated by a predetermined angle. The clutch mechanism includes an engaging portion, an engaged portion, and a clutch drive mechanism, and the scale reading part and the scale body rotate integrally when the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged. The clutch drive mechanism releases engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion when the knob is rotated by a predetermined angle and, after the scale mark is changed by rotating the scale reading part, re-engages the engaging portion with the engaged portion.