Flapper Check Valve Assembly With Two-Pivot Sealing Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid check valves with single pivot pin designs face issues with debris entry, wear, and limited motion freedom, leading to premature failure and maintenance needs due to the gap between the pivot pin and hole, which affects the flapper's ability to seal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluid check valve design utilizing a swing arm and flapper with two degrees of freedom of motion, encased in a flexible elastomeric seal, to ensure a secure seal and prevent debris infiltration, allowing the flapper to approach the valve seat in a parallel orientation and maintain functionality even with elastomeric seal wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pivot pin design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but debris entry and wear increase leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot pin is segmented into two separate pivot pins: a first pivot pin for rotational movement and a second pivot pin for lateral movement. This segmentation allows each pin to perform a specific function, reducing debris entry points while maintaining operational reliability and extending service life.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flapper is constrained to a single orientation, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to seal wear and motion freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper is designed with dynamic motion capabilities, allowing it to rotate about a first pivot pin and laterally move relative to the valve seat via a second pivot pin. This dynamic design enables the flapper to adapt to seal wear and maintain effective sealing despite variations in orientation, combining manufacturing precision with operational adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a gap is provided between the pivot pin and hole, then the ease of operation is improved, but debris entry and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the pivot pins and the external environment. This seal prevents debris from entering the pivot pin holes while allowing the flapper to move freely for rotation and lateral displacement, thus maintaining ease of operation without compromising against harmful factors.
4Reliability
If the flapper makes contact with the valve seat before full positioning, then the sealing action is initiated early, but the flapper cannot achieve parallel orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper motion is extended from a single rotational dimension to two dimensions by adding lateral movement capability through the second pivot pin. This allows the flapper to first make contact with the valve seat for early sealing action and then achieve parallel orientation through lateral adjustment, resolving the contradiction between early sealing and proper alignment.
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 design provides a reliable and long-lasting seal by preventing debris entry and allowing the flapper to maintain operational freedom, reducing wear and increasing the service life of the check valve while ensuring effective backflow prevention.
Implementation Method 1
encased in a flexible elastomeric seal, to ensure a secure seal and prevent debris infiltration
Implementation Method 2
The exemplary embodiment described in this disclosure operates without a spring (that is, by gravity)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a flapper check valve assembly in which a flapper coated with an elastomeric seal is pivotably attached to a swing arm, and further in which the swing arm is pivotably attached to a retainer ring permitting two degrees of freedom of motion. The retainer ring is mounted in a check valve body. A novel mounting of the flapper to the swing arm ensures the flapper seals the pipeline against backflow.