Dual-Spring Sliding Disc Valve for Fluid Hammer Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air/vacuum valves often experience fluid hammer issues due to abrupt closure, leading to potential damage, and check valves may not close quickly enough to prevent this, while also sometimes slamming open or closed, causing further issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual spring valve with a sliding disc assembly, comprising a shaft, disc, and two springs of different spring forces, which biases the disc to move between open and closed configurations smoothly, preventing fluid hammer by controlling the flow rate and reducing turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a check valve is used to regulate fluid flow into the air/vacuum valve, then the flow rate can be controlled, but the valve may not close fast enough to prevent fluid hammer
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into two distinct spring mechanisms: a first spring (weaker) that controls the closing speed to prevent fluid hammer, and a second spring (stronger) that ensures rapid reopening. This segmentation allows each spring to specialize in one aspect of the cycle, resolving the contradiction between slow closing and fast reopening.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual spring system creates dynamic behavior where the valve disc moves at different speeds during different phases of operation. The weaker first spring allows controlled slow closing, while the stronger second spring enables rapid reopening, making the closure speed adaptive to the operational phase rather than fixed.
2Reliability
If the air/vacuum valve closes abruptly to stop fluid flow, then air pockets can be removed, but fluid hammer occurs causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The weaker first spring acts as a cushioning mechanism that预先 (in advance) slows down the closing process of the valve disc. By reducing the closing speed before contact with the seat, it prevents the sudden stop that causes fluid hammer, while still allowing effective air pocket removal through controlled closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spring force by using two springs with different force characteristics. The first spring has lower force to enable slow closing and prevent fluid hammer, while the second spring has higher force for rapid reopening. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between removing air pockets and preventing fluid hammer.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If check valves are used to control flow, then fluid hammer can be reduced, but the valves may slam open or closed causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The dual spring system creates counterbalancing forces that prevent slamming. The weaker first spring provides a cushioning counter-force during closing to prevent slam, while the stronger second spring provides a restraining counter-force during opening to prevent uncontrolled slamming, thereby enhancing valve stability without compromising fluid hammer reduction.
4Device complexity
If a single spring is used in the valve, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot simultaneously control closing speed and reopening speed
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring is segmented into two separate springs with different force characteristics. The first spring handles the closing phase with lower force for speed control, while the second spring handles the reopening phase with higher force for rapid response. This segmentation increases adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual spring configuration provides multi-functionality: the first spring serves the function of controlling closing speed to prevent fluid hammer, while the second spring serves the function of enabling rapid reopening. Both springs work together within a single valve mechanism, achieving multiple objectives without requiring separate systems.
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 dual spring valve effectively prevents fluid hammer by smoothly transitioning between open and closed states, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring controlled fluid flow, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the valve system.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring mounted on the shaft between the lower disc surface and the first end of the shaft; and a second spring mounted on the shaft between the upper disc surface and the second end of the shaft, wherein the first spring defines a spring force that is different from a spring force of the second spring
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of a sliding disc assembly for a dual spring valve, and a method of operating a dual spring valve are disclosed. The sliding disc assembly can comprise a shaft defining a first end and a second end; a disc mounted on the shaft between the first end and the second end, the disc defining an upper disc surface, a lower disc surface, and an annular base surface; a first spring mounted on the shaft between the lower disc surface and the first end of the shaft; and a second spring mounted on the shaft between the upper disc surface and the second end of the shaft, wherein the first spring defines a spring force that is different from a spring force of the second spring.