Double Action Float Valve Single Pipe Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current float valve systems require multiple pipes for filling and discharging tanks, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially in high-pressure applications, and lack efficiency in controlling fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A double action float valve that operates through a single inflow and outflow pipe, utilizing a valve body with an obturator and unidirectional device connected to a float, allowing fluid to enter or exit the tank based on pressure differences, thereby controlling fluid levels and maintaining tank fullness automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional float valve systems use separate pipes for filling and discharging tanks, then proper control of fluid flow is achieved, but construction cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filling and discharging functions into a single pipe system. The double action float valve integrates both inflow and outflow control mechanisms within one valve body, allowing the same pipe to serve dual purposes. This merging eliminates the need for separate filling and discharging pipes, reducing construction cost and system complexity while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through the unified valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipe system is designed to perform multiple functions - both filling the tank and discharging fluid. The float valve incorporates separate inlet and outlet ports within the same valve body, enabling the single pipe to universally handle bidirectional fluid flow. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by making one component serve multiple purposes without compromising control reliability.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional float valves are used in high pressure applications, then filling function is maintained, but the float lacks sufficient power to stop flow resulting in leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve is segmented into distinct functional components: a float mechanism for level sensing and a separate obturator mechanism for flow control. The obturator is directly actuated by the float through a linkage system, creating an independent high-force closure mechanism that is not dependent on float buoyancy alone. This segmentation allows the float to sense level while the obturator handles the high-pressure flow stoppage, resolving the contradiction between pressure handling and flow control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage acts as an intermediary between the float and the obturator. The linkage transmits the float's motion into effective force that actuates the obturator to seal against the valve seat. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the float's limited force into sufficient closing pressure, enabling reliable flow stoppage even in high-pressure applications where direct float action would be insufficient.
3Stress or pressure
If pilot operated valves are used for high pressure or large diameter pipes, then proper valve closure is achieved, but device complexity increases with multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pilot operation complexity from the main valve body. Instead of using a complex multi-part pilot operated valve, the design uses a simplified direct-acting float mechanism that directly controls the obturator. The float linkage system replaces the need for pilot pressure chambers, multiple seals, and complex actuation mechanisms, achieving high-pressure handling capability with a simpler single-body valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve is self-regulating through the natural buoyancy of the float and the mechanical advantage of the linkage system. The float automatically rises with fluid level and actuates the obturator to close the valve, without requiring external pilot signals or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism achieves reliable high-pressure closure while minimizing the number of parts and complexity of the valve construction.
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 double action float valve simplifies operations by using a single pipe for both inflow and outflow, reducing costs and complexity, while ensuring efficient filling and discharging, even in high-pressure conditions, and maintaining tank fullness by supplementing fluid pressure as needed.
Implementation Method 1
An obturator and a unidirectional device are located within the valve body. The obturator is connected to a float that is positioned outside the valve body and within the tank. As the fluid level in the tank rises, the float rises.
Implementation Method 2
When the pressure from the tank, as measured at a third opening through the valve body positioned at the unidirectional device, is greater than the inflow pressure from the inflow/outflow pipe, the resulting pressure opens the unidirectional device which causes fluid to enter the interior of the valve through the third opening through the valve body and out the inflow/outflow pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
The double action float valve is connected to a single pipe and a tank and controls both the filling and discharge of the tank. The double action float valve utilizes a valve body, an obturator positioned within the valve body, a unidirectional device, and a float connected to the obturator. When the inflow pressure from the pipe is greater than the outflow pressure of the tank, the tank is filled until the float reaches a predetermined level. When the outflow pressure of the tank is greater than the inflow pressure, the double action float valve is automatically reconfigured to discharge the fluid from the tank into the pipe.