Dual-Shutter Pressurized Fluid Valve for Progressive Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Taps for pressurized fluid, particularly those with lever or rotary control members, risk sudden valve opening, leading to pressure surges that can damage downstream equipment, especially pressure regulators, and pose ignition risks with oxidizer gases like oxygen.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-stage valve system with separate shut-off valves controlled by a movable push-pin and actuator, allowing for a progressive opening of the valve, reducing pressure surges and incorporating a locking mechanism to prevent accidental openings, ensuring a controlled and gradual opening process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single valve with manual control element is used, then the valve can be operated easily, but the valve may open too abruptly causing pressure surge
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve is segmented into two separate movable shut-off valves arranged in series. The first valve opens to a first opening section and the second valve opens to a second opening section, creating a progressive opening sequence that controls pressure surge while maintaining ease of operation through unified control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The first valve opens before the second valve in a controlled sequence. This preliminary action of opening the first valve allows pressure to build gradually before the second valve opens, preventing abrupt pressure surge while keeping the operation simple through sequential actuation by control elements.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing control elements. The actuator that controls valve opening also functions as a locking mechanism when positioned in its first position, and the control elements themselves can be locked in the closed position. This integration provides safety without adding separate complex locking systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If two separate valves are used to control progressive opening, then pressure surge is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two separate movable shut-off valves share common control elements (actuator and/or control elements) that can control both valves. This multi-functionality allows progressive opening pressure control while avoiding the need for completely separate control systems for each valve, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A push-shaft acts as an intermediary mechanism between the control elements and the two valves. The push-shaft transmits motion to both valves in a controlled sequence, coordinating their opening actions to reduce pressure surge while simplifying the control architecture through a single intermediary component.
4Productivity
If the valve opens quickly to full pressure, then productivity is improved, but equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The full opening process is segmented into two stages: first valve opening to first opening section, then second valve opening to second opening section. This segmentation allows rapid delivery of gas while protecting equipment by controlling the pressure increase rate, achieving both productivity and equipment durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system dynamically adjusts the opening sequence and rate. The actuator and control elements can control the timing and extent of each valve's opening, allowing optimized gas delivery speed that adapts to equipment承受能力, maximizing productivity while preventing damage.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
Valve for pressurized fluid comprising a circuit (3) having an assembly of valve shutter(s) (6, 7) comprising at least one shut-off valve shutter for closing or opening the circuit, a control member (8) for controlling the assembly of valve shutter(s), the control member being mounted on the body (2) with the ability to move between a rest position in which the assembly of valve shutter(s) is in a position in which the circuit is closed and an active position in which the control member actuates the assembly of valve shutter(s) into a position in which the circuit is open with a first bore section (S1), the valve (1) comprising a locking mechanism (9, 10) for locking the control member and comprising a manual actuator (9) mounted on the body with the ability to move between a first position for locking and a second position for unlocking of the control member; in its unlocking second position, the actuator actuates the assembly of valve shutter(s) into a position in which the circuit is open with a second bore section (S2), the assembly of valve shutter(s) comprising two shutters in series, respectively controlled by the control member and by the actuator via a mobile pushrod (13)