Flexible Wedge Gate Valve for Narrow-Channel Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wedge gate valves are large, heavy, and require precise manufacturing tolerances to achieve reliable sealing, which increases their size, weight, and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wedge gate design with a pivotably connected disc-shaped body portions and reduced gate channel width, utilizing a center guide and concave slot for smooth movement, and a valve cover with angled sections for improved sealing and reduced bolt requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid wedge portion with sharp transition to non-wedge portion is used, then sealing is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances must be tight and size/weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into two pivotably connected disc-shaped body portions (first and second body portions), each contributing to the sealing function. This segmentation allows each portion to be manufactured with more relaxed tolerances while collectively achieving reliable sealing through their coordinated pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate transitions from a rigid wedge structure to a flexible structure where the two body portions can pivot relative to each other. This dynamic flexibility allows the gate to adapt to variations in manufacturing tolerances and maintain sealing reliability without requiring tight dimensional controls.
2Ease of operation
If a wide gate channel is used to accommodate the wedge portion, then the gate can be moved, but the valve size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate uses a flexible structure with two pivotably connected disc-shaped body portions instead of a rigid wide wedge. This flexible design allows the gate to move effectively within a narrower gate channel, reducing the overall valve size and weight while maintaining operational capability.
3Strength
If a large third flange is used to accommodate the gate channel size, then the valve cover can be secured, but the valve size and weight increase and more bolts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cover securing mechanism is segmented into multiple smaller attachment points around the perimeter of the third flange, rather than requiring a single large flange structure. This allows the valve cover to be securely fastened with fewer bolts while reducing the overall size and weight of the valve assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate for a gate valve includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion has a disc shape and a first wedging element extending from the disc shape. The second body portion has a disc shape and a second wedging element extending from the disc shape. The second body portion is pivotably connected to the first body portion. A gate valve includes a valve body and the gate. The valve body includes a first opening, a second opening, a flow passage from the first opening to the second opening, and a gate channel intersecting the flow passage. The gate is configured to move along a center axis of the gate channel between a closed position where the gate is fully in the flow passage to block fluid flow through the flow passage and an open position where fluid can flow through the flow passage.