Flexible Gate Valve Using Bernoulli Flow to Cut Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves suffer from pressure loss, reliability issues due to debris and water chemistry problems, and are costly and complex, limiting their ability to perform functions beyond simple On/Off control.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a flexible and impermeable gate that utilizes the Bernoulli effect for flow control, optionally made of fluoropolymer, which is more flexible than the rigid seat, allowing for reduced pressure drop and increased reliability, and can be manually or remotely controlled with low power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves (solenoid piloted diaphragm and globe valves) are used, then On/Off control function is achieved, but pressure loss increases and reliability decreases due to debris and water chemistry issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the gate from conventional rigid materials to flexible materials with specific properties (chemical resistance, lubricity). This parameter change allows the gate to tolerate debris and water chemistry issues while maintaining low pressure loss through its flexible sealing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible gate is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can withstand harsh conditions including debris exposure. Rather than protecting expensive automation components, the simple flexible gate absorbs the wear and tear, enabling cost-effective replacement if needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valves with automation components (solenoids, filters, hydraulic lines) are used, then control function is achieved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex automation components (solenoids, filters, hydraulic lines) from the valve system. The control function is achieved through the simple flexible gate mechanism alone, which can be manually or remotely operated without requiring expensive automation subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible gate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing, flow control, and debris tolerance without requiring separate components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex automation systems while maintaining versatile control capabilities
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid seats and conventional gates are used, then sealing function is achieved, but pressure drop increases and positional tolerances must be tight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible gate made of thin-walled material that can deform to conform to the sealing surface. This flexibility compensates for positional variations and loose tolerances while maintaining effective sealing, thereby reducing the need for tight manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The gate transitions from a static rigid component to a dynamic flexible element that adapts its shape based on operating conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the gate to maintain sealing effectiveness across a range of positions, reducing sensitivity to positional tolerances and minimizing pressure drop
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 valve achieves reduced pressure loss, higher reliability, and broader functionality with lower costs, being more tolerant of debris and autonomously operable without motors, while requiring less power and having looser positional tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The gate is optionally shaped to engender flow (e.g., pressure and/or flow rate) control via Bernoulli or other fluidic forces
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprises: a housing defining a chamber; a fluid outlet defined by a fluid outlet wall; and a first fluid outlet orifice and a second fluid outlet orifice comprising a rigid seat. The valve comprises a movable gate, that is flexible and/or compressible and impermeable. The moveable gate is more flexible than the rigid seat, has a planar surface, and is configured to slidably move in a first axis. The movable gate is configured to be positioned so that it is located between a fluid inlet orifice and the second fluid outlet orifice when the valve is in a closed position, wherein fluid pressure within the chamber causes the movable gate to seal the second fluid outlet orifice via the rigid seat, and not the fluid inlet orifice. The valve may employ gate shapes that generate and/or exploit Bernoulli effect forces when fluid passes though the valve.