Float Valve Foreign Object Removal via Threaded Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional float valve apparatuses require excessive force to remove foreign objects with high adhesive or mass, risking damage to the opening/closing mechanism and suffer from reduced discharge rates due to foreign object blockages, and existing cleaning methods are inefficient for complete removal.
Innovation Solution
A float valve apparatus with a foreign object removing member that advances via a threading operation, featuring a tapered shape and advancement stopper for controlled force application, and a retraction stopper to ensure effective discharge path clearance, allowing for efficient removal of foreign objects and maintaining valve performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If excessive force is applied to remove foreign objects with high adhesive or mass, then foreign objects can be removed, but damage to the opening/closing mechanism occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The foreign object removing member is divided into multiple functional segments: a tapered leading end for initial contact and force distribution, an intermediate portion for engagement, and a rear end for actuation. This segmentation allows the removal force to be distributed across different zones, reducing concentrated stress on the valve mechanism while maintaining effective foreign object removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening/closing mechanism is positioned to act as a cushioning element that absorbs excess force before it can damage critical components. When the foreign object removing member advances, the valve body and valve seat provide a controlled stopping point that dissipates kinetic energy, preventing direct transmission of excessive force to the sealing surfaces and internal mechanism.
2Productivity
If foreign objects block the discharge path, then discharge rate decreases, but complete removal by conventional cleaning methods is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foreign object removing member performs preliminary cleaning action by advancing through the discharge path and valve opening to remove foreign objects before they can cause complete blockage. This preventive maintenance approach maintains discharge rate by eliminating obstructions before they significantly impact performance, rather than requiring complete disassembly and cleaning after failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve apparatus performs its own maintenance function through the integrated foreign object removing member that can be actuated from the outside of the valve case. The member advances through the discharge path, removes foreign objects, and retreats automatically, enabling the system to clean itself without external intervention or disassembly, thereby maintaining continuous operation and discharge rate.
3Ease of operation
If the foreign object removing member is made movable from outside the valve case, then foreign object removal is facilitated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foreign object removing member is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a cleaning tool and a structural element within the discharge path. The member can be actuated from outside the valve case through a simple external mechanism, eliminating the need for complex internal actuation systems while maintaining the capability to remove foreign objects effectively. This universal design reduces overall device complexity despite the added operational capability.
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 solution enables effective removal of foreign objects with reduced risk of damage to the valve mechanism, ensures high discharge rates, and prevents corrosion by controlling the liquid flow, thus enhancing the overall performance of the float valve apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
opening/closing means for opening/closing the valve opening in association with a movement of a float member floating in an amount of liquid received in the valve chamber
Implementation Method 2
between this spring receiving portion 8f and the wall outer face of the valve case 5, there is incorporated a compression spring 18. By an urging force provided by the compression coil spring 18, the foreign object removing member 8 is urgedly retained at a retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A foreign object in a discharge path defined and formed in a valve case is effectively removed. In a float valve apparatus T including a valve chamber 2 for receiving gas A and liquid W through an inlet pipe 1, a discharge path 4 communicating with a discharge pipe 3, a valve case 5 defining and forming therein the valve chamber 2 and the discharge path 4, a valve opening 6a for opening the discharge path 4 to the valve chamber 2, opening/closing means for opening/closing the valve opening 6a in association with a movement of a float member 7 floating in an amount of liquid W received in the valve chamber 2 and a foreign object removing member 8 for removing a foreign object in the discharge path 4 in association with an advancing movement of the foreign object removing member toward the valve opening 6a in the discharge path 4, the foreign object removing member 8 being movable to advance/retract in the discharge path 4 in response to an operation from outside the valve case 5, the foreign object removing member 8 is caused to advance in the discharge path 4 to penetrate the valve opening 6a, in response to a threading-in operation of the foreign object removing member 8 to a threaded portion 10a formed in the valve case 5.