Flow Adjusting Valve With Segmented Needle And Open/Close Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow adjusting valves using needle valves face issues with precision and reproducibility due to deformation of the valve orifice during close contact with the seat, and require additional space for separate open/close valves, limiting size reduction and durability.
Innovation Solution
A flow adjusting valve integrates a needle valve with a reciprocating movement section and an independent open/close valve with a fully-closing section, both driven by a stepper motor and air pressure respectively, allowing for precise flow adjustment and complete path blocking within a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a needle valve is used for flow adjustment, then precise flow control is achieved, but the valve orifice shape deforms due to contact between the needle valve and valve seat, reducing flow reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two independent functional sections: a needle valve section for precise flow adjustment and an open/close valve section for complete path blocking. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, preventing orifice deformation while maintaining adjustment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The needle valve and open/close valve are combined into a single integrated valve body with a shared valve seat. This merging reduces installation space and eliminates response lag between two separate valves while maintaining the functional independence needed to prevent orifice deformation
2Reliability
If an open/close valve is installed in series with a flow adjusting valve, then complete path blocking is achieved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The open/close valve and flow adjusting valve are merged into a single integrated valve body with a shared valve seat and common flow path. This eliminates the need for two separate valves installed in series, significantly reducing installation space while maintaining complete path blocking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve performs multiple functions: precise flow adjustment through the needle valve section and complete path blocking through the open/close valve section. The shared valve seat and flow path allow both functions to be achieved within a single valve body, providing multi-functionality without increasing installation space
3Reliability
If the needle valve is fully closed to block flow, then the flow path is blocked, but the needle valve contacts the valve seat causing orifice deformation and losing flow adjustment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into two independent sections: the needle valve section for flow adjustment and the open/close valve section for complete blocking. When full blocking is needed, only the open/close valve section activates, leaving the needle valve section untouched and preserving its orifice shape and adjustment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The open/close valve section acts as an intermediary for complete flow blocking, allowing the needle valve to remain in its optimal position without contacting the valve seat. This intermediary mechanism enables full blocking while preserving the needle valve's precision adjustment 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
This integrated design enables precise flow adjustment and complete path blocking while reducing installation space, eliminating response lag, and maintaining high reproducibility by keeping the needle valve from contact with the seat, thus enhancing durability and reducing temperature increases through ventilation cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a reciprocating movement section that adjusts the flow of the liquid fluid that flows in the flow path by moving the needle valve piece toward and away from the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
an opening/closing section that utilizes a basal outer surface of the needle valve facing the valve seat as a fully-closing valve piece and that reciprocatingly moves the fully-closing valve piece, independently of the reciprocating movement section, between a closed position, where the fully-closing valve piece is in close contact with the valve seat, and an open position, where the fully-closing valve piece is moved away from the valve seat
Data Source
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AI summary
A needle valve (20) that adjusts the flow of liquid fluid and an open/close valve that makes it possible to fully close a flow path of the liquid fluid are accommodated inside a casing of a flow adjusting valve (1). The needle valve (20) is provided with a reciprocating movement section (40) that adjusts the flow of the liquid fluid by moving a needle valve piece (21) toward and away from the valve seat (13). The open/close valve (30) is provided with an opening/closing section that utilizes a basal outer surface of the needle valve piece (21) facing the valve seat (31) as a fully-closing valve piece (31) and that reciprocatingly moves the fully-closing valve piece (31), independently of the reciprocating movement section (40), between a closed position, where the fully-closing valve piece (31) is in close contact with the valve seat (13), and an open position, where the fully-closing valve piece (31) is moved away from the valve seat (13).