Disc Check Valve With Segmented Discs and Spring for Reduced Back Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery systems face challenges in minimizing volume variations and back pressure, which affect the precision and efficiency of fluid delivery, particularly in applications like chemical reactions and protein synthesis, due to slow response times and potential chattering or slamming of check valves.
Innovation Solution
A disc check valve construction with two independent movable disc elements and a spring device that reduces back pressure by creating controlled gaps between the disc and seat surfaces, allowing for quick movement between open and closed positions with minimal pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional check valve construction is used, then the valve provides basic fluid flow control, but the response time is slow and the valve may chatter or slam when moved
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is divided into two independent movable disc elements (first and second discs) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each disc to respond to pressure changes separately, reducing the mass that must be accelerated and improving response time while maintaining stability through the coordinated action of multiple lighter components rather than one heavy component
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates a spring device that dynamically adjusts the position of the discs, allowing them to move quickly in response to pressure changes. The spring provides a restoring force that enables rapid closure while the gap between the disc and seat allows controlled movement without immediate contact, reducing slamming and chattering
2Force
If the movable portion of the check valve has large mass, then the valve is more stable, but the pressure needed to move the valve increases and response time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve splits the movable portion into two separate disc elements of reduced individual mass. This segmentation reduces the total mass that must be accelerated by the driving pressure, allowing the valve to respond more quickly to pressure changes while maintaining stability through the coordinated movement of multiple lighter components
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device applies a partial restoring force that is sufficient to return the discs to their closed position without requiring excessive pressure. The spring provides just enough force to overcome the pressure differential and close the valve quickly, reducing the overall pressure needed for valve operation while maintaining rapid response
3Productivity
If the gap between the disc and seat is large, then fluid flow is improved, but back pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve creates localized gaps between the discs and their respective seats, concentrating the flow path in specific areas. This local quality approach allows fluid to flow through defined gaps that are large enough to permit flow but small enough to minimize back pressure, optimizing the balance between productivity and pressure 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 solution enables faster and more precise fluid delivery by reducing back pressure and minimizing volume variations, ensuring consistent discrete fluid samples with reduced pressure requirements and quick valve response times.
Implementation Method 1
The movable disc elements fit within a disc chamber containing a spring device that serves to move and center the disc within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The raised element is confined by the spring and serves to position the disc within the disc chamber and to contact the spring to control disc movement within the disc chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve construction is provided having: a movable disc with a flat surface on a first side and a convex shaped surface on the opposing side, a first seat on for the flat surface and a second seat for the convex surface, where the narrowest portion of the fluid path is defined by the equation:G3=12μWQπDΔPWhereinG: the gap of most narrow passageway between the flat surface of the disc and disc seat;μ: dynamic viscosity of the fluid;D: mean diameter of the flat sealing surface of the disc;Q: desired fluid flow rate;W: breadth of the flat sealing surface of the disc;ΔP: pressure differential across the gap (G).