Eccentric Gate Valve Motion for Low-Leakage Flow Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The valve industry faces challenges in increasing operational efficiencies, extending component lifetime, reducing size and weight, enhancing integration, and optimizing costs while maintaining robustness and fluid control.

Innovation Solution

A valve design featuring a valve body with an inlet and multiple outlet openings, and an actuating gate that rotates eccentrically about a central axis while translating perpendicular to it, allowing for precise fluid flow control between outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional valve designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency and component lifetime are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gate is designed to perform combined motion (rotation about a first axis and translation along a second axis) rather than simple rotation, creating a dynamic sealing action that improves operational efficiency and extends component lifetime through better fluid control and reduced wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body includes multiple outlet openings (first outlet opening and second outlet opening) that can be independently controlled by the gate, allowing selective fluid flow paths and enhancing operational versatility without requiring multiple separate valves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional gate mechanisms are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but leakage reduction and actuation force minimization are achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveleakageVSAvoidgate mechanism manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The combined rotational and translational motion of the gate creates a dynamic sealing mechanism that maintains tight seals against the outlet openings during operation, reducing leakage while the eccentric mounting allows standard manufacturing techniques to be used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gate mechanism replaces traditional linear reciprocating valve stems with an eccentric rotational system that achieves sealing through orbital motion and translation, reducing leakage paths while simplifying the actuation mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional valve designs are used, then weight is reduced, but operational efficiency and fluid control precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid control precisionVSAvoidgate weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gate's combined motion mechanism (rotation about first axis, translation along second axis) provides precise control over fluid flow direction and sealing contact points, enhancing fluid control precision without requiring additional heavy components or actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If standard actuation mechanisms are used, then device complexity is lower, but actuation forces are higher leading to energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation energyVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eccentric gate mechanism converts rotational motion into combined rotational and translational movement, creating mechanical advantage that reduces the actuation force required while maintaining simple actuation mechanism design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric mounting of the gate creates a counterbalancing effect during rotation that offsets some of the actuation forces required, reducing energy consumption while keeping the actuation mechanism relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 operational efficiency, extends component lifetime, reduces leakage, and minimizes actuation forces, leading to energy savings, cost reduction, and compact valve configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating gate is adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis while also translating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis upon actuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS11971107B2Valve and method of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 SAINT GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS LS GMBH

AI summary

A valve including a valve body including an inlet opening and a plurality of outlet openings; and an actuating gate adapted to seal at least one of the plurality of outlet openings, where the actuating gate is adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis while also translating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis upon actuation.