Flow Control Valve with Rotatable Disk and Venturi Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves lack a compact and easily operable design that allows for precise adjustment and locking of fluid flow without requiring rotation of the valve body, while also efficiently utilizing a Venturi nozzle for pressure sensing.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring a rotatable disk and a fixed disk within a valve body with a Venturi nozzle, where the rotatable disk is adjustable from the outside via a post through a circumferential slot, and a memory stop for locking the valve position, enabling fluid communication for high and low pressure sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve body is made rotatable for flow control adjustment, then the valve can be operated from outside the valve body, but the valve body itself rotates which increases operational complexity and potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two independent rotational components: the valve body that remains stationary and the disk that rotates to control flow. This segmentation allows the control function to be isolated to the disk while the valve body stays fixed, eliminating the complexity of rotating the entire valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
A post extending through a circumferential slot in the valve body serves as an intermediary mechanism. The post rotates with the disk and can be manipulated from outside the valve body, providing external operability without requiring the valve body itself to rotate. The circumferential slot guides the post's motion while maintaining the stationary valve body.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the valve position, then the valve position can be locked in place, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post serving as both a rotation axis and a locking element demonstrates self-service. When the disk is rotated to the desired position, the post can be manually pushed or spring-loaded to engage with a corresponding feature on the valve body, automatically locking the position without requiring a separate complex locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the existing post structure. The post that provides the rotation axis also serves as the locking element, combining multiple functions into a single component and avoiding the addition of separate locking mechanisms that would increase device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simpler, but assembly and maintenance of internal components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into modular sections: the valve body, the disk assembly, and the post mechanism. This segmentation allows internal components to be accessed by removing or disassembling specific sections without affecting the entire valve structure, facilitating maintenance and repair while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk and post are nested within the valve body in a compact arrangement. The post passes through the valve body wall, and the disk is positioned within the bore, creating a nested structure that maximizes space utilization while allowing external access to the post for operation and maintenance of internal components.
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 allows for compact, efficient, and precise control of fluid flow with easy operation, enabling locking of the valve position and effective pressure sensing, enhancing the functionality of existing flow control valves.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi nozzle, longitudinally spaced from the disks, with high pressure and low pressure sensing ports in fluid communication with high pressure and low pressure regions of the Venturi nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A valve in which the flow control element includes a fixed disk and a rotatable disk, and a Venturi nozzle for measuring flow through the valve, arranged in a straight configuration.