Compact Double Shut-Off Valve for Modular Filter Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fuel filtration systems for marine vehicles require bulky and heavy external valves for each filter unit, necessitating additional space, time, and cost for assembly and maintenance, and often require two valves to control flow, leading to potential leakage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve member that controls two flow streams, allowing independent shut-off of filter assemblies without affecting others, and a modular manifold system that allows easy expansion or contraction of filtration systems without the need for additional external manifolds, reducing space, cost, and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external valves with multiple handles are used to control flow to and from each filter unit, then flow control is achieved, but the valve size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve functions (inlet and outlet flow control) into a single integrated valve body with a dual-handle design. This merging eliminates the need for two separate external valves while maintaining full flow control capability, directly reducing the weight and size of the filtration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve unit performs multiple functions: it controls both inlet and outlet flow streams, provides isolation for individual filter elements, and enables maintenance operations. This multi-functionality replaces what traditionally required two separate valves, reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If two separate valves are used to control flow into and out of a filter unit, then complete flow control is achieved, but the number of potential leakage points increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inlet and outlet valve controls into a single integrated valve assembly with coordinated handles, the patent reduces the number of separate sealing interfaces. Fewer discrete valve bodies mean fewer potential leakage points while maintaining complete flow control through the unified valve mechanism.
3Reliability
If traditional external manifolds are used to connect multiple filter units, then fluid distribution is achieved, but the system requires more assembly time and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manifold into modular connection ports integrated directly with each valve unit. This segmentation allows filter elements to be connected independently through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for complex custom-manufactured external manifolds and reducing assembly time while maintaining proper fluid distribution.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed external manifold is installed to support multiple filter units, then the system structure is established, but any expansion or modification requires complete manifold replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into modular connection ports that are independently integrated with each valve unit. This modular architecture allows filter elements to be added, removed, or replaced without affecting the overall system structure, providing both stability and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve-manifold design provides universal connection capabilities that work with single or multiple filter units. The same standardized interfaces support system expansion from one to many filters without requiring manifold replacement, enabling flexible system configuration while maintaining structural stability.
5Reliability
If bulky external valves with multiple handles are installed for each filter unit, then flow control is achieved, but the space requirement around each filter unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges inlet and outlet valve controls into a single compact valve body with dual handles, significantly reducing the spatial footprint compared to two separate external valves. This integration maintains complete flow control capability while minimizing the area required around each filter unit for operation and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve member having a first flow path and a second flow path, and configured to control both flow paths through a filter assembly. The valve member allows control of the two flow streams in a compact space compared to traditional valves. The valve member may require less space to operate due to its compact nature as compared to traditional external valves with multiple handles that each require space to rotate. The valve member may also be used to easily shut-off flow to a filter of a filter assembly without limiting use of another filtration assembly in the same filtration system. Alternatively, the valve member may shut off flow to a corresponding filter of a stand-alone filter assembly that is not connected to another filter assembly. Also, the valve member allows less expensive and more lightweight filtration systems.