Compliant Check Valve Stop for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Check valves with physical stops are prone to petal fractures due to dynamic impacts, leading to potential failure, as they do not effectively absorb impact loads, thereby reducing the lifespan of the valve.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compliant petal stop with a stop pin and collar system, featuring a cylindrical section with a conical inner wall to absorb impact loads, preventing the petal from over-rotation and potential fracture by using a stop pin collar that includes a cylindrical section with a radial distance and a conical section to absorb impact loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical stop is used to limit petal opening angle, then the petal opening angle is controlled, but the petal is prone to fracture due to dynamic impact
Solution Approach 1:
The stop pin collar changes its radial position parameter dynamically - initially positioned at a first radial distance to provide early engagement and impact absorption, then moves to a second radial distance to allow full petal opening. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the stop position adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop pin collar is designed to move dynamically between two radial positions based on operational conditions. The collar can shift from engaging the petal early in the opening sequence to allowing full opening, transforming a static stop into a dynamic system that adapts to reduce impact forces.
2Ease of operation
If a stop pin is used to prevent over-rotation, then the petal opening is limited, but impact loads cause petal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The stop pin collar acts as an intermediary element between the petal and the stop pin. Instead of the petal directly impacting the rigid stop pin, the collar absorbs and distributes the impact loads, protecting the petal from direct shock forces while still preventing over-rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop pin collar is positioned to engage the petal before full opening is reached, providing cushioning and impact absorption in advance. This beforehand cushioning reduces the severity of the impact when the petal reaches its opening limit, preventing fracture.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid stop is used to limit petal movement, then the opening angle is precisely controlled, but the valve lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stop pin collar functions as a flexible element that can deform and absorb impact energies. This flexible component maintains precise opening angle control while reducing the harshness of the stop mechanism, thereby extending valve lifespan by preventing repeated impact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanism combines rigid elements (stop pin, housing) with a more compliant element (stop pin collar). This composite approach allows precise angular positioning through the rigid components while the compliant collar absorbs impact energies, resolving the contradiction between precision and durability.
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 compliant petal stop system reduces the likelihood of petal fractures and extends the lifespan of the check valve by effectively absorbing impact loads, enhancing the durability and reliability of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compliant stop pin collar disposed at the stop pin, the or each stop pin collar being configured to absorb impact loads from impact between the at least one petal and the stop pin collar
Data Source
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AI summary
A check valve (10) includes a valve housing (14) having at least one valve opening (16). At least one petal (12) is located in the valve housing (14) and is configured to substantially cover the at least one valve opening (16) when the at least one petal (12) is in a closed position. The at least one petal (12) is rotable about a hinge axis (22) toward an open position thereby allowing fluid to flow through the at least one valve opening (16). The check valve (10) includes at least one compliant petal stop (36; 50) to prevent rotation of the at least one petal (12) beyond the open position.