Deformable Valve Member for High-Pressure Fluid Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Regulator valves in industrial processing face contamination issues due to particles introduced during or after manufacture, leading to potential damage and leaks, especially when handling high-pressure gases.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow regulator apparatus featuring a deformable valve member with a flat angled surface that engages a valve seat with a larger diameter second surface, distributing forces uniformly to prevent damage and ensure proper closure, even under increased pressure or contamination, utilizing a sensor-activated mechanism to adjust the valve stem's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid valve member is used to ensure structural strength, then the valve can withstand high pressure, but the valve seat may be damaged by particles or improper force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member material is changed from rigid to elastomeric, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of rigidity to flexibility. This allows the valve to deform and conform to the valve seat, distributing forces uniformly and preventing damage from particles or contamination while maintaining sealing effectiveness under high pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an elastomeric valve member that combines the properties of flexibility and durability. This composite material approach allows the valve to adapt its shape to match the valve seat contour, ensuring uniform force distribution and preventing localized stress concentrations that could lead to seat damage
2Productivity
If the valve passage is partially closed to regulate flow, then flow control is achieved, but pressure at the outlet increases causing greater force on the valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material parameter allows the valve member to deform under increased outlet pressure, redistributing the force across the entire valve seat surface. This prevents localized overload and maintains sealing effectiveness even when the valve is partially closed and outlet pressure is high
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to be dynamically adaptable, changing its deformation state based on the pressure conditions. When outlet pressure increases, the elastomeric material automatically deforms more to distribute the increased force, providing a self-regulating mechanism that protects the valve seat
3Reliability
If manufacturing processes are made more rigorous to eliminate particles, then contamination is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to eliminate all particles through complex manufacturing processes, the invention converts the potential harm of particles into a benign interaction by using a soft elastomeric valve that can deform around particles without damage. This approach accepts the presence of particles but neutralizes their harmful effect, simplifying manufacturing requirements
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 apparatus effectively regulates high-pressure fluid flow, prevents damage to the valve member, and maintains leak integrity by uniformly distributing forces across the valve seat surfaces, ensuring reliable operation despite potential contamination or excessive pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member movable to engage the valve seat, the valve member having a deformable member arranged to first engage and deform against the corner and the first diameter surface of the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
the sensor being forced in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the gas pressure at the outlet so that the deformable member is urged against the valve seat with greater force in response to an increase in the pressure at the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus to regulate fluid flow is disclosed. The apparatus includes a valve member (164) deformable to distribute forces to a valve seat (168) and prevent damage to the valve member.