Flow Rate Adjusting Device With Hardness-Differentiated Valve Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate adjusting devices for molten materials containing metal particles face issues with the metal particles inhibiting the rotation of the valve unit due to interference between the valve unit and the sleeve, leading to flow rate adjustment failures.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate adjusting device with a valve unit that rotates within an intersecting hole, featuring a tubular sleeve and a shaft-shaped valve unit with a concave portion, where the hardness of the sleeve and valve unit surfaces differ, allowing for smooth rotation and adjustment of the flow path cross-sectional area despite the presence of metal particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve unit rotates inside a sleeve to adjust flow rate, then flow rate control is achieved, but metal particles enter between the valve unit and sleeve causing rotation inhibition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface hardness of the sleeve and valve unit. Specifically, the sleeve surface facing the valve unit is made with a hardness of 30-50 HRC, while the valve unit surface facing the sleeve is made with a hardness of 55-65 HRC. This hardness parameter differentiation creates a deliberate hardness difference that prevents metal particles from causing rotation inhibition, as the harder valve unit surface resists particle interference while the softer sleeve surface allows smooth rotational movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metal particles are present in the plasticized material, then material composition requirements are met, but particles interfere with valve unit rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific hardness characteristic only at the critical interaction surface between the sleeve and valve unit. The surface hardness distribution is localized to the facing surfaces, where the sleeve has 30-50 HRC and the valve unit has 55-65 HRC. This localized hardness differentiation at the critical interface allows the system to handle metal particles in the material while maintaining smooth rotation, without requiring changes to the overall material composition or valve unit design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve unit and sleeve have the same hardness, then manufacturing is simplified, but metal particles cause rotation hindrance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the manufacturing complexity by applying a standardized heat treatment process that achieves the required hardness values. The sleeve is heat-treated to 30-50 HRC and the valve unit to 55-65 HRC using conventional heat treatment methods. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while achieving the critical hardness parameter differentiation needed to prevent particle-induced rotation hindrance, as both components can be produced using standard industrial heat treatment processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate adjusting device includes a main body portion including a supply flow path formed with a first opening through which a plasticized material obtained by plasticizing at least a part of a material containing a metal particle is supplied and a second opening through which the plasticized material is ejected, and an intersecting hole intersecting the supply flow path; a tubular sleeve disposed inside the intersecting hole and including a through-hole at a position overlapping the supply flow path; and a shaft-shaped valve unit disposed inside the sleeve, wherein the valve unit includes a concave portion at a position overlapping the supply flow path, and rotates inside the intersecting hole for changing a position of the concave portion, to change a flow path cross-sectional area of the supply flow path for adjusting a flow rate of the plasticized material ejected from the second opening.