Diaphragm Valve Flow Path for Precise Control With Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves installed in flow channels cause pressure loss and fail to block fluid smoothly and completely, leading to imprecise control of fluid flow in manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm valve design that optimizes flow streamline and blocking effect, featuring a controller with a knob and diaphragm, and a body with a chamber and channel sections that divert and return flow, minimizing pressure loss and ensuring precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a valve is installed in a flow channel to control fluid flow, then precise control of fluid is achieved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved flow paths and rounded edges throughout the valve body channel. The flow path includes a first curved section and a second curved section that guide fluid smoothly around the diaphragm assembly, eliminating sharp angles and sudden directional changes that would cause turbulence and pressure loss. This curvature principle maintains laminar flow while enabling precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation of the diaphragm as a key parameter change mechanism. The diaphragm is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to deform under actuation force, thereby controlling fluid flow precisely. The elastic modulus and thickness of the diaphragm are optimized to achieve the desired balance between control precision and pressure loss minimization.
2Reliability
If a valve is designed to block fluid completely for precise control, then fluid blocking capability is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blocking function from a traditional valve seat configuration and implements it through the diaphragm itself. The diaphragm is designed to extend fully across the flow channel, creating a seal against the channel wall without requiring a separate seat structure. This extraction simplifies the flow path and reduces the number of components that could create turbulence and pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm made of elastic material that can conform perfectly to the channel wall to create a complete seal. The thin film structure of the diaphragm allows it to flex and adapt to the channel geometry, ensuring complete fluid blocking when actuated while maintaining smooth flow paths when open, thereby minimizing pressure loss.
3Reliability
If the diaphragm is positioned to block flow completely, then blocking effect is improved, but flow streamline optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic diaphragm position system that can adjust its location along the flow channel. The diaphragm is mounted on a movable support structure that allows it to be positioned at different locations, enabling optimization of both blocking effect and flow streamline control depending on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between complete blocking and flow optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional degree of freedom by allowing the diaphragm to move not only radially to block flow but also axially along the flow channel. This dimensional change enables the diaphragm to be positioned at optimal locations that balance complete blocking capability with minimal disruption to flow streamline, thereby resolving the contradiction between blocking effect and flow control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprises a chamber allowing a diaphragm moving along the chamber to block a channel. The channel comprises four sections. An end of a second section connects to an inlet of the chamber. A flow in the second section diverts to the chamber. An outlet of the chamber connects to an end of a third section. The flow in the third section returns from the chamber to an original direction. The end of the second section has a shape to be blocked by the diaphragm when the diaphragm is moved to contact the end of the second section, and the diaphragm has a conical protrusion to guide the flow in the chamber when the diaphragm is moved away from the end of the second section.