Eccentric Plug Dual Chamber Orifice Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual chamber orifice fittings face challenges with slow valve operation, complexity, and the need for grease for sealing, which can lead to fluid leakage and safety issues during fluid flow measurement in pipelines, especially under high pressure and corrosive conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual chamber orifice fitting with an eccentric plug member that forms a fluid tight seal without grease, using a C-shaped body with a non-metallic insert seat and rotatable shafts, allowing for quick and safe operation and adjustment of the orifice plate within the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding valve mechanism is used to seal between chambers, then the valve can be operated to seal the second chamber from the first chamber, but the operation is slow and requires grease for proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding valve mechanism with an eccentric plug member that rotates on a shaft. This rotational motion substitutes for the linear sliding motion, eliminating the need for grease and reducing operational complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the eccentric geometry that naturally creates sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameter from linear sliding to rotational movement. The eccentric plug member rotates 90 degrees to transition between open and closed positions, which is faster and requires no lubrication compared to the linear sliding motion of traditional valves.
2Reliability
If a sliding valve mechanism is used, then the valve can seal the chambers, but the device complexity increases due to gears, racks, and pinions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex gear, rack, and pinion mechanisms from the system. The sealing function is achieved through a simple rotating eccentric plug member that requires no additional transmission components, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the fluid tight seal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to achieve sealing, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple rotational motion with eccentric geometry to create the sealing action. The complexity is inverted into simplicity while maintaining the same sealing function.
3Reliability
If a sliding valve plug mechanism is used, then the valve can be moved into position to seal chambers, but the operator must determine if the seal is formed, which may lead to fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a visual feedback mechanism where the operator can directly observe the position of the eccentric plug member through a window or indicator. This provides immediate confirmation that the seal is properly formed, eliminating the uncertainty and potential for leakage associated with traditional sliding valve mechanisms.
4Reliability
If grease is added to the sliding valve to ensure proper sealing, then the valve slides properly, but this requires regular maintenance and can lead to fluid leakage under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric plug member design is self-lubricating through its rotational contact and eccentric geometry, which naturally distributes pressure and maintains sealing without requiring external grease or lubrication. This eliminates regular maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable sealing under high pressure conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual chamber orifice fitting including a first chamber maintained in fluid communication with a pipeline and a second chamber maintained in fluid communication with the first chamber. The fitting includes sealing member formed as an eccentric plug member that is selectively rotatable from a first position wherein the sealing member seals the first chamber from the second chamber, and a second position wherein the sealing member permits the first chamber to be placed in fluid communication with the second chamber. The sealing member includes a curved sealing surface having a pocket recessed therein for containing a non-metallic insert seat. The non-metallic insert seat sealingly engages a seat plate when the sealing member is in the first position. A retainer plate retains the insert seat in the recessed pocket.