Flexible Wedge Gate Valve Cover Clamping for Fewer Bolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wedge gate valves are large, heavy, and require multiple bolts for assembly, leading to increased size, weight, and manufacturing complexity due to tight dimensional tolerances for reliable sealing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wedge gate valve design with a reduced size and weight, featuring a valve cover that exerts clamping forces parallel and perpendicular to the central axis, minimizing the number of bolts needed for assembly and improving structural strength and sealing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid wedge portion with sharp transition to non-wedge portion is used for sealing, then reliable sealing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and size/weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate transitions from a rigid wedge shape to a flexible configuration that can change its geometry under compression. The flexible gate material allows the sealing surface to conform to the seat geometry through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for tight manufacturing tolerances on the rigid wedge dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate uses flexible material construction that combines sealing functionality with adaptability. This flexible composite structure can deform to accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable sealing contact with the seat.
2Strength
If a large third flange is used to accommodate the gate channel and wedge portion, then structural strength is maintained, but valve size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gate allows the valve body dimensions to be reduced since the gate can deform to maintain sealing contact without requiring a large flange structure. The clamping force mechanism provides sufficient holding power with a smaller third flange, reducing overall valve weight.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure the valve cover, then assembly reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force mechanism changes the force distribution and sealing approach, allowing the valve cover to be secured with fewer bolts. The flexible gate and clamping force design provide sufficient sealing pressure and structural integrity without requiring multiple bolt connections.
4Reliability
If the gate channel width is increased to accommodate the wedge portion, then sealing functionality is improved, but valve size and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gate can deform under clamping force to achieve proper sealing contact, allowing the gate channel to be narrower than what would be required for a rigid wedge gate. This reduces the overall valve volume and material usage while maintaining sealing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a gate valve includes a body including a flow passage from a first opening to a second opening, and a gate channel from the flow passage to a third opening, the gate channel having a central longitudinal axis and a ridge defining a perimeter of the opening. A valve cover can fit over the third opening and exert a clamping force on the ridge, the clamping force having a first force component perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and a second force component parallel with the central longitudinal axis. In embodiments, a valve cover includes a first mating surface configured to extend over an opening of the gate valve, a first clamping section extending at a first non-parallel angle from a first side of the first mating surface, and a second clamping section extending at a second non-parallel angle from a second side of the first mating surface.