Curved Pinch Valve with Non-Parallel Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pinch valves face durability issues due to excessive stretching of the sleeve, which can lead to premature deterioration, especially when used in demanding industrial applications with abrasive and corrosive mediums.
Innovation Solution
A curved pinch valve design featuring non-parallel connecting flanges and a combination of movable and stationary pinching means that minimizes sleeve stretching, allowing for efficient flow control without excessive stress on the sleeve, and enables easy replacement of the sleeve without removing the entire valve body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pinch valve with parallel connecting flanges is used, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sleeve undergoes excessive stretching during operation which reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the valve body and sleeve configuration by using non-parallel connecting flanges that form an angle with each other. This curved geometry allows the sleeve to be installed at an angle, creating a more favorable stress distribution during pinching operations. The curved design reduces excessive stretching of the sleeve material while maintaining structural integrity and durability under operational loads.
2Ease of operation
If the sleeve is made highly elastic to allow extensive stretching during pinching, then the valve can effectively control flow, but the durability of the sleeve is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the valve system by introducing non-parallel flange configurations with specific angles. This parameter change modifies the stress distribution and deformation characteristics of the sleeve during pinching operations. By optimizing the angular parameters, the sleeve experiences reduced stretching while maintaining sufficient elasticity for effective flow control, thus improving both durability and operational capability.
3Ease of repair
If the sleeve is designed to be replaceable without removing the entire valve body, then maintenance is easier, but the connection structure between sleeve and body becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the sleeve from the valve body through distinct connection interfaces created by the non-parallel flange structure. The sleeve can be independently removed and replaced by detaching it from the angled flange connections, while the valve body remains in place. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and replacement of the wear-prone sleeve without requiring removal or disassembly of the entire valve body, significantly improving ease of repair.
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 curved design enhances the durability of the sleeve, allowing it to withstand longer operational cycles compared to traditional pinch valves, and facilitates integration with curved piping systems, offering a wear-resistant solution for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve made of elastic material... the sleeve is stretched extensively, whereby the durability of the sleeve is weakened
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pinch valve comprising at least a body having connecting flanges, a sleeve made of elastic material and an actuator, wherein said pinch valve comprises first pinching means that is movable towards the sleeve, wherein as a response to an operation of the actuator, said first pinching means squeezes the sleeve at least partially to control a flow in said sleeve. In the pinch valve, the sleeve is curved, and said connecting flanges are not parallel, whereupon said sleeve is fixed to the body in such a manner that openings of said sleeve are not parallel either.