Adjustable Curtain Style Port Valve Linear Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control valves suffer from inaccuracies due to control hysteresis caused by linkage play and limited adjustability, leading to non-linear changes in fluid flow passage size and flow dynamics.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable valve design featuring a main valve body with oppositely disposed flanges and a rotatable cylindrical drum, allowing for precise control of fluid flow by adjusting the plug's obstruction and the drum's alignment to match the flow passage size, enabling linear and predictable changes in flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linkage between handle and valve actuator is used to enable manual adjustment, then adjustability is improved, but control hysteresis increases due to linkage play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the linkage mechanism entirely, allowing the drum modulating element to be actuated directly without an intermediate connecting arm. This extraction of the problematic linkage component eliminates the source of play and hysteresis while preserving the adjustability function through direct actuation of the drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric actuation system where the drum modulating element can be adjusted independently from the actuator position. The drum can be rotated to any position within its range without requiring the actuator to be in a specific position, breaking the symmetric coupling relationship that causes hysteresis in conventional linkaged systems.
2Productivity
If circular passageways are eclipsed to vary flow rate, then flow control capability is improved, but flow dynamics change non-linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a drum modulating element with a slot that rotates to dynamically adjust the flow passage geometry. As the drum rotates, the slot's position relative to the actuator bore changes, creating a progressive and predictable modification of the flow area that maintains linear flow characteristics throughout the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow passage by rotating the drum to different angular positions. The slot in the drum creates a variable cross-sectional area that changes predictably with rotation angle, allowing for linear adjustment of flow rate without the non-linear effects of eclipsing circular passageways.
3Measurement precision
If non-drum modulating elements are used with direct actuator engagement, then control accuracy is improved, but adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drum modulating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides direct engagement with the actuator for accurate positioning, maintains adjustability through rotatable slot positioning, and creates a predictable flow characteristic through its geometric design. This multi-functional component eliminates the need to choose between accuracy and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum modulating element is segmented with a slot that can be positioned at different angles, allowing independent adjustment of the flow passage geometry. This segmentation enables the drum to provide both precise actuator engagement and variable flow control, combining the benefits of both drum and non-drum designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable valve includes a main valve body having a first end portion, an oppositely disposed second end portion, and an endless cylindrical wall extending therebetween. Oppositely disposed flanges, including respective flange apertures, are formed in the endless cylindrical wall for accepting cylindrical fluid conduits. A fluid flow volume is positioned within the main valve body and disposed between the aperture flanges. A plug is controllably insertable through the first end portion into the valve to at least partially obstruct the fluid flow volume. An at least partially hollow cylindrical drum is rotatably connected within the main valve body, wherein the drum has a pair of oppositely disposed drum apertures formed through a wall thereof. The drum is rotatable to at least partially align the pair of oppositely disposed flange apertures to define an unobstructed fluid flow path through the valve body.