Concentric Valve Assembly With Plunger Flow Path for High Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small valve assemblies face challenges in achieving high flow rates and efficient flow control due to restricted plunger stroke length and cross-sectional area, leading to increased costs, decreased manufacturability, and unpredictable flow capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design featuring a moveable plunger with a dual fluid pathway, where fluid can flow directly between ports and through the plunger, optimizing the cross-sectional area of the flow path through the plunger to be at least half of the gap between the plunger and the valve seats, enhancing flow characteristics and reducing turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the plunger stroke length and cross-sectional area of the valve seat are increased to achieve high flow rates, then the flow rate is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple flow paths: a first flow path through the inner valve seat, a second flow path through the outer valve seat, and a third flow path through the plunger body. This segmentation allows each path to contribute to the total flow rate, achieving high productivity without increasing the overall device size, as the paths are arranged concentrically within the same valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner valve seat is nested within the outer valve seat, and the plunger is positioned within both seats. The flow paths are arranged concentrically with the inner flow path surrounded by the outer flow path. This nesting arrangement maximizes the flow capacity within a compact valve body, avoiding the need to increase device dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If additional valve parts and tortuous flow paths are introduced to control flow in small valves, then flow control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is divided into inner and outer concentric seats, creating distinct flow paths without requiring additional complex components. Each seat can be manufactured as a integrated part of the valve body using standard machining or molding processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing sophisticated flow control through the multiple paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger serves multiple functions: it seals against both the inner and outer valve seats to control flow, and its body with the opening creates a third flow path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms, keeping the valve simple to manufacture while providing excellent flow control capability.
3Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the flow path through the plunger is increased, then flow rate is improved, but the plunger stroke length must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing flow rate by extending the plunger stroke length in one dimension, the invention utilizes the radial dimension by creating concentric flow paths around the plunger. The opening in the plunger body provides a third dimensional flow path that does not depend on stroke length, allowing high flow rates with short stroke plunger.
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 achieves increased flow rates, reduced pressure, and improved manufacturability by allowing for a smaller plunger stroke length and increased back pressure sensitivity, while maintaining a simple and compact valve design.
Implementation Method 1
The energized solenoid generates a magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field is proportional to the number of turns as well as the electrical current provided to the wire.
Implementation Method 2
the valve also includes a spring or other biasing member that generates a biasing force in opposition to the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly, comprising a first fluid port, a second fluid port, a valve seat comprising an inner valve seat and an outer valve seat, and a moveable plunger, being moveable between a closed position and an open position arranged to simultaneously seal the inner valve seat and the outer valve seat when in the closed position. A first fluid pathway passes via the inner valve seat, and a second fluid pathway passes via the outer valve seat between the first and second fluid ports when the movable plunger is in the open position. At least one fluid flow path is provided through the body of the moveable plunger. The cross-sectional area of the flow path through the moveable plunger is at least half of the cylindrical cross-sectional area of the gap between the plunger and the respective inner or outer valve seat.