Control valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valves with automatic regulation and flow rate control are structurally complex, expensive, and cumbersome, leading to irregular flow due to multiple moving parts and variable geometry elements, which negatively impact the regularity and precision of fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design featuring a simpler and more compact structure with a central driving spindle, a cup-shaped body, and a spring, where the liquid flows through conduits and chambers mainly parallel to the spindle, ensuring a stable and precise regulation of differential pressure and flow rate without axial movement interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control valves are equipped with automatic regulation and flow rate control devices, then the differential pressure and flow rate can be maintained constant, but the structural complexity increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the differential pressure regulation function and flow rate control function into a single integrated valve body structure. The flow shutter serves dual purposes: it controls flow rate through rotation while simultaneously regulating differential pressure through its position relative to the valve body openings. This merging eliminates the need for separate regulation devices and reduces structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow shutter is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both flow rate control and differential pressure regulation. By rotating the flow shutter, the valve simultaneously adjusts the flow passage area and the positioning of the shutter relative to fixed openings, achieving both control functions with a single component rather than requiring separate dedicated devices.
2Extent of automation
If multiple moving parts and variable geometry elements are used for regulation, then automatic control capability is improved, but the regularity of flow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first zone with fixed openings for differential pressure regulation and a second zone with a rotatable flow shutter for flow rate control. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, reducing interference between regulation mechanisms and maintaining flow regularity while achieving automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple moving parts to achieve regulation, the patent inverts the approach by using a single rotatable flow shutter that controls both functions. The fixed openings in the valve body provide the regulation geometry, while the movable shutter modulates the flow by rotating into and out of alignment with these fixed openings, thereby maintaining flow regularity through a simple rotational motion rather than complex multi-part mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex structures with multiple components are used, then control capability is improved, but the valve dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow shutter is nested within the valve body, with the shutter rotating inside the valve cavity. The shutter's radial and axial dimensions are optimized to fit within the valve body's internal geometry, allowing the control mechanism to be compact and integrated rather than requiring external or protruding components. This nesting reduces the overall valve dimensions while maintaining full control capability.
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 design achieves greater flow regularity, precision in flow rate control, and rapid automatic regulation of differential pressure, reducing transients and overall valve dimensions while maintaining fluid dynamics unaffected by spring geometry.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling membrane (39) having a radially inner edge fixed to the cup-shaped body (31) and a radially outer edge fixed to the valve body (2) so as to delimit a first chamber (42) in fluid communication with the inlet (4) and a second chamber (43) in fluid communication with the outlet (5)
Implementation Method 2
a spring (37) operatively interposed between the valve body (2) and the cup-shaped body (31) to push said cup-shaped body (31) away from the flow shutter (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control valve comprising: a valve body (2), a flow shutter (18) operatively interposed between an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), a driving spindle (14) having at least a first actuating end (14a) and a second end (14b) connected to the flow shutter (18). The valve also comprises a differential pressure automatic regulation device, comprising: a cup-shaped body (31) arranged around the driving spindle (14) and axially mobile with respect to said driving spindle (14); a spring (37) operatively interposed between the valve body (2) and the cup-shaped body (31) to push the latter away from the flow shutter (18); a rolling membrane (39) having a radially inner edge (40) fixed to the cup-shaped body (31) and a radially outer edge (41) fixed to the valve body (2) so as to delimit a first chamber (42) in fluid communication with the inlet (4) and a second chamber (43) in fluid communication with the outlet (5). The flow shutter (18) has at least one inlet opening (24) facing the inlet (4) of the valve body (2) and at least one outlet opening (23) facing the cup-shaped body (31). A shutter (26) is mounted around the driving spindle (14) and facing the outlet opening (23) of the flow shutter (18).