Disc Valve Anti-Twist Sealing Element Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disc valves face limitations in maximizing flow cross-section due to anti-twist protection mechanisms that restrict the design of the housing and sealing elements, leading to suboptimal flow performance and manufacturing challenges.

Innovation Solution

The anti-twist device is integrated into the third flow openings, allowing for a form-fitting rotary stop that maximizes the flow cross-section by shifting components inward, enabling an optimal adaptation of the outer contour to the inner housing contour, and utilizing retaining projections and axial projections for secure positioning of the sealing element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sealing element is provided with radial projections to prevent rotation, then anti-twist protection is ensured, but the maximum flow cross section is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-twist protectionVSAvoidflow cross section
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the anti-twist function with the flow opening structure by forming the retaining projection directly from the housing wall in the area of the third flow openings. This integration eliminates the need for separate anti-twist components that would obstruct the flow cross section, as the housing wall itself provides the rotational constraint while maintaining maximum flow area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional view of the flow opening to a three-dimensional understanding by utilizing the housing wall volume to form the retaining projection. This allows the anti-twist mechanism to be embedded in the housing structure without projecting into the flow path, effectively using the third dimension (housing wall thickness) to accommodate the anti-rotation feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the sealing element is prevented from rotating by external housing features, then anti-twist protection is achieved, but the housing design becomes complex and manufacturing is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-twist protectionVSAvoidhousing design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining projection is formed as an integral part of the housing wall in the area of the third flow openings, merging the anti-twist function with the existing housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate anti-twist components or complex external features, simplifying both the housing design and manufacturing process while ensuring reliable anti-rotation protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the sealing element is constrained by external features, then anti-twist protection is provided, but the outer contour cannot be optimally adapted to the inner housing contour

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-twist protectionVSAvoidouter contour adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining projection is formed directly from the housing wall in the area of the third flow openings, merging the anti-twist constraint with the flow opening structure. This allows the outer contour of the sealing element to be optimally adapted to the inner housing contour without compromise, as the anti-rotation feature is embedded within the housing wall rather than protruding externally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design enhances the flow cross-section, simplifies manufacturing, and ensures durable and cost-effective anti-twist protection, preventing deformation and maintaining the sealing effect while allowing for optimal utilization of installation space.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable sealing element which is arranged between the sealing disk and an intermediate floor of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2917621B1Disc valve
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 MACK & SCHNEIDER
  • EP2917621B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2917621B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2917621B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a disc valve (2), in particular a multi-way control valve, comprising: a housing (4) having at least one inflow connection (7) and at least one outflow connection (8, 9) acting as connections (7, 8, 9) for a liquid and/or gaseous medium; at least one rotatably mounted valve disc (25), in particular a ceramic valve disc, which is provided with at least one first flow opening (26) and is rotatably mounted in the housing (4), in order to fluidically interconnect the connections (7, 8, 9) and to disconnect said connections from one another depending on the rotary position of the disc, the surface of said valve disc (25) lying on a sealing disc (18) that is rotationally fixed and has at least two second flow openings (19, 20); and comprising an elastically deformable sealing element (15) situated between the sealing disc (18) and an intermediate base (14) of the housing (4), said sealing element (15) being designed in the form of a disc and having third flow openings (61, 62) that are aligned with the second flow openings (19, 20). According to the invention, the intermediate base (14) has at least one retaining projection (63, 64) that engages in one of the third flow openings (61, 62), in order to provide an interlocking anti-rotation system for the sealing element (15).