Float Valve Hinge and Piston Layout for Higher Flow Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing float valves are limited in adaptability to various structural configurations, often require additional components like hinges and split pins, which increase cost and complexity, and have small inlet diameters that restrict water flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a valve arm with a pivoting connection and a valve piston that moves linearly, eliminating the need for detent means and allowing a larger inlet diameter, enabling greater flow rates and adaptability to different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hinge locations and split pins are added to the valve arm assembly, then the structural stability and positioning accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detent means (aperture or stop means) from the valve arm hinge mounting member, extracting the unnecessary component that caused complexity. The valve arm hinge is repositioned so the terminal portion abuts the valve body contact surface to limit rotational travel, achieving the same functional result with fewer parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body contact surface serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the hinge and simultaneously acts as a stop to limit the rotational travel of the valve arm. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detent means while maintaining structural stability.
2Productivity
If the inlet diameter is reduced, then the flow rate control is improved for low flow applications, but the maximum flow rate capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the inlet diameter parameter to a larger size that can accommodate higher flow rates. The valve piston and sealing mechanism are designed to maintain effective flow rate control with the larger inlet, providing versatility across a wider range of flow rates without sacrificing control capability.
3Ease of operation
If the valve arm hinge is positioned with offset detent means, then the rotational travel limitation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotational travel limitation function into the valve body contact surface itself. The contact surface is positioned and oriented to naturally limit the rotational travel of the valve arm when the terminal portion abuts against it, eliminating the need for separate offset detent means and reducing manufacturing cost.
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 enhances adaptability and flow rates while reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating unnecessary components, allowing the valve to handle higher pressures and flow rates efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the second valve piston end being adapted, in a closed position, to apply a sealing force against a pressurised fluid contacting the second valve piston end
Implementation Method 2
a pivoting connection adapted to accommodate a valve arm hinge connecting the valve arm to the valve body
Implementation Method 3
a float, the valve arm being of a type having a remote first end adapted to attach to the float
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a valve body, valve arm hinge and valve piston. The valve arm hinge connects the valve arm to the valve body through a pivoting connection. The valve piston moves linearly in a valve piston channel. When a pressurized fluid contacts a second valve piston end, a force is applied to a second valve piston end. Movement of the valve arm from a first valve arm position to a second valve arm position allows the valve piston to move, under the force applied from closed, to open and allows fluid to flow through a valve channel. The float in the first valve arm position is above the position of the float when in the second valve arm position. If fluid in the tank goes below a critical tank fluid level, the valve arm moves from the first valve arm position to the second valve arm position.