Fixed Ball Shutoff Valve Structure for Low Operating Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball valves, especially floating types, require high torque to operate effectively at low pressures due to increased fluid pressure, which can damage the valve seat and necessitate larger actuators, making them inefficient and costly for low-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
A low-torque, fixed ball valve configuration with pins that allow limited movement of the ball in the direction of fluid flow, reducing friction and operating force, and utilizing a small electric motor actuator rated below 200 watts for efficient operation in low to medium pressure environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a floating ball valve is used, then the valve structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the operating torque increases with fluid pressure and valve seat can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional floating ball design by making the ball fixed against transverse and longitudinal movement while allowing it to rotate. This is achieved by providing a fixed ball configuration where the ball is restrained by valve body features, preventing it from floating under pressure. The inversion transforms the high-torque floating mechanism into a low-torque fixed rotation mechanism, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operating force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the ball from floating (translatable) to fixed (rotation-only). By modifying the ball's degree of freedom from two translational plus one rotational to only one rotational, the patent reduces the torque required to operate the valve while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the fixed sealing surfaces.
2Force
If a fixed ball valve is used, then the operating torque is reduced and service life is extended, but the valve structure becomes more complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by adopting a fixed ball configuration that rotates on a fixed axis rather than floating and translating. The ball is secured against transverse and longitudinal movement by valve body features, inverting the conventional approach where the ball floats under pressure. This fixed rotation design reduces operating torque while the simplified valve body integration keeps manufacturing costs manageable.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a fixed ball valve is used, then the valve structure becomes more complex, but the manufacturing process should remain simpler compared to traditional fixed ball valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ball retention function into the valve body structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external retaining mechanisms. The valve body includes integrated features that constrain the ball's transverse and longitudinal movement while allowing rotation. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete parts and assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the fixed ball configuration necessary for extended service life.
4Reliability
If all fluid pressure bears on the valve seats in a floating ball valve, then the sealing force increases, but the drive force required for opening and closing becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the pressure transmission mechanism by preventing the ball from floating under fluid pressure. Instead of allowing pressure to push the ball against the seat (which increases sealing force but also increases drive force), the fixed ball configuration transfers pressure directly to the valve body while maintaining sealing through the fixed sealing surfaces. This inversion decouples sealing effectiveness from drive force requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A low pressure, low operating force valve, for applications where automated valves are used, having reduced power requirements for an associated actuator. A low torque ball valve of a fixed ball valve configuration for low to medium pressure applications, such as for an electric motor actuated residential shutoff valve where pressures are typically below 100 psi, and commonly less than 60 psi, for example. The valve can be open or shut using a smaller electric motor than would be required for a conventional residential floating ball shutoff valve of a similar size. As such, the power requirements of the electric motor or other actuator are reduced allowing for the use of smaller motors, smaller power supplies and overall more efficient operation.