Common-Rotation Flapper Check Valve for Turbulent Flow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flapper check valves with flapper valve portions that pivot in opposed rotational directions face challenges with turbulent airflow and dithering issues, particularly in returning to a closed position.
Innovation Solution
A flapper check valve design featuring two flapper valve portions mounted on their own shafts to a valve seat body, pivoting in a common rotational direction between open and closed positions, enhancing the handling of turbulent flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flapper valve portions pivot in opposed rotational directions, then the valve can block flow from both directions, but the valve experiences dithering and difficulty returning to closed position under turbulent airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the symmetric opposed rotational motion to asymmetric common rotational motion. Both flapper valve portions pivot in the same rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) around their respective pivot axes, creating an asymmetric motion pattern that eliminates the dithering effect while maintaining the ability to block bidirectional flow. This asymmetric design allows the flappers to follow the turbulent flow direction together rather than opposing each other, enabling smoother transition to the closed position.
2Reliability
If flapper valve portions pivot in opposed rotational directions, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve handles turbulent airflow poorly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional opposed rotational direction design. Instead of one flapper rotating clockwise and the other counter-clockwise, both flappers rotate in the same direction (e.g., both clockwise). This inversion of the rotational direction relationship fundamentally changes how the valve responds to turbulent airflow, allowing both flappers to move synchronously with the flow rather than creating conflicting motion patterns that cause dithering.
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 improves the capability to handle turbulent airflow and reduces dithering issues, ensuring reliable operation by maintaining a stable closed position.
Implementation Method 1
When the high pressure source is being delivered to the use it maintains a check valve closed so the low pressure source does not reach the use. However, at high power operation the low pressure source will be at a sufficiently high enough pressure that it may be delivered to the use.
Data Source
AI summary
A flapper check valve includes a valve seat body. Two flapper valve portions are each mounted on their own shaft to the valve seat body, and pivotable between open and closed positions. The flapper valve portions pivot in a common rotational direction to the open position and to the closed position. A fluid systems is also disclosed.