Float-Actuated Drain Valve Design for Higher Pressure Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drain valves in refrigeration systems face limitations in operating at higher fluid pressures due to the counteracting pressure forces, which necessitate larger sizes and increased costs to maintain functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a closing member with a cylindrical section and a closing element that converges towards the liquid outlet orifice, minimizing the surface area perpendicular to the flow direction, and features a manual opening mechanism with an engagement element and torque element to reduce size and pressure forces, allowing operation at higher pressures without increasing the valve's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the float and float chamber are increased in size to produce sufficient force to open the liquid outlet orifice at higher pressures, then the drain valve can function at higher pressure differences, but the overall size and costs of the drain valve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member is designed with non-uniform thickness, being thickest at the pivot connection and progressively thinner towards the closing element. This local variation in geometry concentrates the structural strength where needed (at the pivot) while minimizing material and surface area at the closing end, reducing the counteracting pressure forces without compromising the ability to open at higher pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member features an asymmetric cross-section that is not uniform along its length. The thickness varies deliberately to create a shape that is stronger at the pivot connection and weaker at the closing element, allowing the valve to withstand higher pressure differences while maintaining a compact overall size
2Stress or pressure
If the closing member is made larger to withstand higher pressure forces, then the valve can operate at higher pressures, but the friction and risk of unintended damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member's thickness is optimized locally - thickest where structural support is needed (at the pivot) and thinnest where it contacts the orifice. This reduces the surface area exposed to pressure forces and minimizes friction during operation, lowering the risk of unintended damage while maintaining pressure tolerance
3Stress or pressure
If the surface area of the closing element perpendicular to the flow direction is minimized, then the counteracting pressure forces are reduced allowing operation at higher pressures, but the control precision over refrigerant flow may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member's thickness parameter is varied along its length to optimize performance. By changing the thickness from the pivot to the closing element, the design achieves a balance between minimizing pressure forces and maintaining sufficient control authority for precise refrigerant flow regulation during defrost cycles
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
This configuration enables the drain valve to function effectively at higher pressure differences while maintaining a compact size, reducing friction and preventing unintended damage, and allows for efficient control of refrigerant flow during defrost cycles.
Implementation Method 1
When the level of liquid inside a float chamber of the drain valve rises the float connected to the lever also rises due to its buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
A drain valve (10) includes a housing (11), a fluid inlet (12), a gas outlet (13) and at least one liquid outlet orifice (19) arranged in a liquid outlet member (20) of the housing (11). The drain valve (10) furthermore includes a float (16) connected to a lever (17) on a first end (18). The float (16) is arranged in a float chamber (15) of the housing (11). The float chamber (15) is connected to the fluid inlet (12), the gas outlet (13) and the at least one liquid outlet orifice (19). The liquid outlet orifice (19) may be opened or closed by a closing member (21) that is connected to a second end (22) of the lever (17) and is rotatably connected to the liquid outlet member (20).