Elliptical-Seal Rotary Valve for Low-Torque Top Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary valves for water metering systems are typically end-loaded, making assembly difficult and requiring high actuation torques, which are unsuitable for battery-operated meters.
Innovation Solution
A top-loaded rotary valve with an elliptical seal, featuring a cylindrical cartridge with a single elliptical gasket separating the upper and lower portions, allowing for low-torque actuation and easy assembly, utilizing a rotor disc that rotates within the gasket to control flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If top-loaded plug valves are used, then assembly is simplified, but actuation torque becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into upper and lower portions that can be assembled around the plug valve body, allowing top-loaded configuration without requiring high actuation torque. The segmented design enables the valve to be assembled in a straightforward manner while maintaining low torque operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional end-loaded configuration to top-loaded configuration by changing the loading direction to a different dimension (vertical axis). This dimensional change simplifies assembly while the elliptical seal geometry optimizes the sealing interface to reduce actuation torque requirements.
2Force
If traditional end-loaded valves are used, then actuation torque is manageable, but assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional valve configuration by switching from end-loaded to top-loaded arrangement. This inversion reverses the loading direction and simplifies assembly procedures while the elliptical seal design ensures that actuation torque remains at acceptable levels.
3Reliability
If high actuation torque valves are used, then sealing is reliable, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elliptical seal geometry provides superior sealing contact compared to traditional flat or circular seals. The curved elliptical interface distributes contact pressure more effectively, ensuring reliable sealing while reducing the actuation torque required to open and close the valve, thereby lowering power consumption for battery-operated meters.
Data Source
AI summary
A top-loaded rotary valve with elliptical sealing is provided. The valve includes a valve cartridge with a lower cylinder portion having a first flow opening, an upper cylinder portion having a second flow opening, a rotor, and a gasket positioned between respective ends of the lower cylinder portion and the upper cylinder portion. The rotor includes a stem and a disc configured to rotate within the cartridge. The lower cylinder portion and the upper cylinder portion are mated to the gasket along a plane that defines an ellipse along the respective cylinder ends. The disc has perimeter that is similar to the ellipse, and the rotor rotates between a closed position in which the elliptical perimeter of the disc is coincident with the gasket to prevent flow between the flow openings and an open position that permits flow between the flow openings.