Elbow Pipe Joint With Pivoting Flap Valve for Narrow Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joints with plunger valves require a long axial stroke length, making them unsuitable for narrow spaces such as vehicle engine rooms, and result in high flow path resistance.
Innovation Solution
An elbow pipe joint with a flap valve device that pivots between open and closed states, allowing connection and disconnection in narrow spaces, and reducing flow path resistance by minimizing the distance between inner holes and using a flap valve mechanism with a curved contact surface and optimized pressing portion placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plunger valve structure is used to switch between valve open and closed states, then the valve function is achieved, but the axial stroke length becomes too long for narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial linear movement (plunger valve) to rotational movement (flap valve) to achieve valve opening/closing. The flap valve pivots about a rotation axis orthogonal to the pipe central axis, enabling compact operation in narrow spaces without requiring long axial stroke
2Ease of operation
If a plunger valve with long axial stroke is used, then the valve can be operated, but the flow path resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from linear axial movement to rotational pivoting motion, the flap valve creates a more direct flow path between the first and second inner holes. This reduces flow path resistance and energy loss while maintaining effective valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flap valve uses a curved surface design that facilitates smooth fluid flow around the valve body during pivoting motion, reducing turbulence and pressure loss compared to the linear plunger valve structure
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
Enables valve operation in narrow environments with reduced pressure loss by increasing flow path cross-sectional area and minimizing contact displacement, facilitating smooth pivoting and efficient fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to urge the valve body to seal the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow pipe joint includes a tubular first pipe connecting portion which allows another joint to be connected, a tubular second pipe connecting portion which has a second central axis intersecting a first central axis of the first pipe connecting portion, a hollow valve accommodating portion which is connected to the first pipe connecting portion and the second pipe connecting portion and which has a valve accommodating space communicating with a first inner hole of the first pipe connecting portion and a second inner hole of the second pipe connecting portion, and a flap valve device accommodated in the valve accommodating portion. The flap valve device is configured to pivot to switch between a valve open state where the first and second inner holes communicate with each other and a valve closed state where the first and second inner holes are blocked from each other.