Flexible Valve Disc Seating for Low-Pressure Relief Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-pressure relief valves face challenges in achieving proper engagement of the disc with the valve seat due to low biasing forces, which can lead to improper sealing at low set pressures.
Innovation Solution
A disc design featuring a flexible flange coupled to a core, with a resilient configuration that allows the seat surface to pivot relative to the core, ensuring proper engagement with the valve seat even at low biasing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the biasing force on the disc is reduced to enable opening at low set pressure, then the valve can open at low pressure, but the disc cannot properly engage and seal the valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed to be resilient and capable of movement relative to the disc body, transitioning between a first position for sealing engagement and a second position for valve opening. This dynamic structure allows the sealing surface to independently adjust its position to maintain proper engagement with the valve seat even when the overall biasing force is reduced for low-pressure operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc is segmented into a disc body and a separately movable flange component. The flange is resiliently coupled to the disc body, allowing it to move independently. This segmentation enables the sealing function to be decoupled from the force-bearing function, allowing the sealing surface to maintain engagement while the disc opens at low pressures.
2Reliability
If the biasing force is increased to ensure proper disc engagement with the valve seat, then sealing is improved, but the disc cannot open at low set pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient flange provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the sealing surface to maintain engagement under varying biasing forces. When biasing force is increased, the flange can still move to its first position to ensure sealing, but when pressure exceeds the set point, the system can transition to the open state without requiring excessively high forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient coupling of the flange changes the mechanical parameters of the sealing interface, providing compliance and adjustment capability. This allows the sealing surface to adapt its position and contact pressure independently of the overall disc biasing force, enabling proper engagement across a range of operating conditions.
3Reliability
If a resilient flange is added to allow seat surface movement, then proper engagement at low biasing force is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed as a resilient component that can be formed from flexible materials, providing the necessary movement capability while maintaining a relatively simple structure. This flexible element allows the seat surface to move independently without requiring complex mechanical assemblies, joints, or actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient flange is integrated with the disc body through a resilient coupling that combines the sealing function and the movement capability into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, multiple parts, or complex assembly procedures, keeping the overall device complexity low while achieving the desired functionality.
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 facilitates effective sealing and fluid containment by allowing the seat surface to conform to the valve seat, maintaining a continuous seal despite low biasing forces, thereby enhancing the performance of low-pressure relief valves.
Implementation Method 1
a flange (54) resiliently coupled to the core (52), the flange (54) defining a seat surface (58) of the disc (36). The flange (54) is resiliently biased toward an unloaded configuration relative to the core (52)
Data Source
AI summary
A disc for a pressure relief valve includes a disc body having a core defining a central axis of the disc, and a flange flexibly coupled to the core, the flange defining a seat surface of the disc. The seat surface is axially movable relative to the core.