Integrated Combination Valve for Self-Resetting Pipe-Break Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container valves for compressed gases and liquids require separate components for electromagnetic shut-off, pipe-break protection, manual shut-off, and temperature-controlled safety functions, leading to complex designs and increased space and power consumption, with mechanical pipe-break protections being difficult to reset after a pipe burst.
Innovation Solution
A combination valve integrating an electromagnetic shut-off valve and mechanical pipe-break protection with an indirectly controlled design, utilizing a sealing body with a main seat and pilot seat, and a magnetic coil to manage flow paths and pressure drops, allowing for efficient operation and reset functionality without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for electromagnetic shut-off valve and pipe-break protection, then individual functions are reliable, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic shut-off valve and pipe-break protection into a single integrated assembly. The valve body houses both the electromagnetic actuator and the mechanical pipe-break protection mechanism with shared components such as the sealing body, sealing surfaces, and flow paths. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reliability of individual functions through careful design of the integrated system.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for electromagnetic shut-off valve and pipe-break protection, then individual functions are reliable, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe-break protection mechanism is nested within the electromagnetic shut-off valve body. The sealing body with pilot seat and main seat is positioned inside the valve housing, and the flow paths are arranged concentrically with the pilot flow path through the sealing body and the main flow path through the valve. This nested arrangement allows both functions to coexist in a compact configuration, significantly reducing the installation space compared to separate components.
3Reliability
If mechanical pipe-break protection is used, then pipe-break closure is automatic, but reset difficulty increases after pipe burst
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the electromagnetic shut-off valve to serve the dual purpose of normal flow control and pipe-break protection reset. After a pipe-break event closes the mechanical protection, the electromagnetic valve can be actuated to open the pilot flow path, equalizing pressures and enabling the hold-open spring to automatically reset the pipe-break protection sealing body to the open position. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external reset mechanisms.
4Use of energy by moving object
If indirectly controlled electromagnetic valve design is used with flow deflection for pressure drop, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flow deflection and flow acceleration in the first flow path to generate a pressure drop from inflow to outflow. By carefully designing the geometry of the flow path, including deflection angles and cross-sectional area changes, the system converts kinetic energy and pressure energy to create the required pressure differential. This approach reduces the power consumption of the electromagnetic coil compared to direct switching designs, as the pressure drop assists the spring force in closing the valve. The manufacturing precision requirements are managed through standardized valve design practices and tolerance specifications for the flow path components.
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 combination valve simplifies design, reduces space and power requirements, and enables reliable pipe-break protection with a self-resetting mechanism, improving operational efficiency and ease of use in high-pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coil designed for attracting the armature against the spring force of the closing spring
Implementation Method 2
a closing spring designed for pressing the sealing surface of the armature against the pilot seat of the sealing body and the main seat of the sealing body against the sealing surface by means of a spring force
Implementation Method 3
Parts of the electromagnetic shut-off valve which are located in the first flow path are shaped in such a way that they generate a flow deflection and/or flow acceleration of the medium flowing therein and, as a result, a pressure drop from the inflow to the outflow
Data Source
AI summary
A combination valve including an electromagnetic shut-off valve and an integrated pipe-break protection includes an inflow and an outflow, between which a first flow path is defined, a sealing surface arranged in the first flow path, a movable sealing body including a main seat and a pilot seat, between which a pilot bore is defined as a second flow path, a closing spring, an armature with a sealing surface and a magnetic coil. The sealing body closes the first flow path in the closed position by abutting the main seat against the sealing surface and closes the second flow path by abutting the sealing surface against the pilot seat. The closing spring presses the sealing surface of the armature against the pilot seat of the sealing body and the main seat of the sealing body against the sealing surface. An opening spring presses the sealing body into the open position.