Eccentric Valve Seat with Parallel Wings for Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure control devices for irrigation systems are prone to pressure deviations, are complex and costly to assemble, and require careful inspection, with fragile components that can be damaged easily, leading to instability and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control device with a tubular main body, a sliding valve member, and an elastic diaphragm, where the valve member's movement is controlled by a regulating chamber and a coil spring to maintain constant outlet pressure, with an eccentrically supported seat and parallel support wings for enhanced stability and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single support strut is used to support the seat, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to fragility and susceptibility to damage from foreign matters
Solution Approach 1:
The single support strut is divided into multiple support struts (at least two) that distribute the load and reduce the fragility of individual components. Each strut independently supports the seat, so if one is damaged, others can still function, thereby improving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support struts are positioned at specific locations around the seat to provide optimized support where needed. This allows the seat to be supported more robustly at critical points while keeping the overall structure simple and avoiding unnecessary complexity in the support mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the seat is made flexible to absorb pressure variations, then the stability of pressure control improves, but the strength deteriorates as the seat becomes more fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible seat is designed with inherent flexibility that allows it to absorb and cushion pressure variations and water hammer effects before they can cause damage. This pre-cushioning capability protects the seat from sudden stress spikes while maintaining its flexible, pressure-stabilizing properties during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat is constructed using composite materials or a composite structure that combines flexible elements for pressure absorption with reinforcing elements for strength. This allows the seat to simultaneously achieve flexibility for pressure stability and sufficient strength to resist damage from foreign matters and stress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are used to assemble the device, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate components are merged into integrated assemblies where possible. For example, the support struts are integrated with the seat and body structure, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled while maintaining the adaptability of the pressure control mechanism. This simplifies assembly and reduces manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed to serve multiple functions. The support struts not only support the seat but also help position and secure it. The seat itself serves as both a support structure and a pressure-regulating element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed while maintaining device adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fragile seat is used to maintain pressure control, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inspection and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is designed as a simple, cost-effective component that can be easily replaced if needed. While it is relatively fragile, its simple construction and low cost allow for easy replacement during maintenance, offsetting the inspection requirements. The simplicity of the seat design keeps manufacturing costs low while the replacement strategy addresses maintenance concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible seat design allows it to self-indicate its condition through its interaction with the pressure system. Changes in pressure control performance or visible deformation of the seat provide self-diagnostic information, reducing the need for complex inspection tools or procedures. The seat essentially monitors its own condition through its functional performance.
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 device ensures a stable and constant liquid pressure output, simplifies assembly and inspection, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances durability, while maintaining consistent pressure across varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring acting thereupon to move the valve member in a direction opposite to that of the flow
Implementation Method 2
a coil spring acting thereupon to move the valve member
Implementation Method 3
an elastic diaphragm
Implementation Method 4
a sliding valve member whose movement is controlled by a regulating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulating device for a liquid includes a main hollow body having an inlet end and an outlet end for the liquid, which are connected via a longitudinal passage, a tubular valve member, which is slidingly accommodated in the passage and has a regulating end upstream from the flow of the liquid, a seat placed inside the passage, upstream from the valve member, and having a transverse surface formed in the passage to interact with the regulating end of the valve member and define therewith a part having an adjustable width for the liquid. The seat is eccentrically supported in the passage and is formed of one piece with the main body, and is supported proximate to the inlet end for the liquid by a pair of longitudinal support wings substantially parallel to the flow direction.