Flow Control Valve Internal Pressure Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control valves require external piping to guide fluid pressure, leading to issues like leakage, increased parts and labor, and reduced measurement accuracy due to turbulent flow and insufficient spacing of pressure outlet parts.
Innovation Solution
A compact flow control valve design integrates differential pressure detecting means on the valve body's outer surface, using internal conduits to connect fluid pressure outlet parts with the detecting means, eliminating the need for external piping and allowing for sufficient spacing to enhance measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external piping is used to guide fluid pressure to the controller, then the valve can measure flow rate, but leakage occurs at piping joints and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure measurement function directly into the valve body by integrating pressure sensors and measurement chambers within the valve structure itself. This eliminates the need for external piping to transport fluid pressure to separate controllers, thereby preventing leakage at piping joints while maintaining flow rate measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces internal communication channels and pressure transmission paths as intermediaries within the valve body to convey fluid pressure from the valve interior to the pressure sensors. These internal channels replace external piping while maintaining the necessary pressure transmission function without the leakage problems of external connections.
2Volume of stationary object
If pressure outlet parts are spaced close to the valve element, then the valve size is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases due to turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing the radial dimension of the valve body. Pressure outlet parts are positioned on the inner circumference of the valve body, allowing sufficient axial spacing from the valve element while maintaining a compact overall valve size. This dimensional arrangement enables both accurate pressure measurement and compact valve dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the valve body into functional zones: a measurement section with pressure outlets positioned away from the throttle part to avoid turbulence, and a compact overall structure. This segmentation allows the pressure measurement function to be performed in a region with stable flow conditions while maintaining a compact valve design.
3Measurement precision
If pressure outlet parts are spaced far from the valve element, then measurement accuracy improves, but the valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial space within the valve body to position pressure outlet parts on the inner circumference, allowing sufficient spacing from the valve element in the axial direction without increasing the overall valve length. This efficient use of three-dimensional space achieves both accurate measurement and compact valve dimensions.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate components are used for pressure measurement, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but manufacturing complexity and assembly labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure measurement functions into an integrated measurement section within the valve body. The measurement section includes pressure sensors, communication channels, and reference pressure chambers that work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for multiple separate external components and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural housing and the pressure measurement device. The valve body incorporates pressure transmission paths, measurement chambers, and sensor mounting features, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the total number of parts while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 simplifies manufacturing, reduces the number of parts, and improves measurement accuracy by minimizing turbulent flow effects, enabling precise flow rate calculation without external piping.
Implementation Method 1
a differential pressure detecting means for detecting a differential pressure between a fluid pressure inside an upstream side pipeline and a fluid pressure inside a downstream side pipeline of the valve body
Implementation Method 2
a valve element that is provided inside a valve body and that regulates a flow rate of a fluid that passes through an interior of the valve body
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control valve has upstream fluid pressure outlets provided between inner and outer circumferential surfaces of an upstream retainer, which is attached to an upstream inner surface of a valve body. A second conduit is provided between inner and outer surfaces of the valve body on the upstream side of the valve body. First conduits are formed between the valve body and the upstream retainer. Downstream side fluid pressure outlets are provided between inner and outer surfaces of a downstream retainer, which is mounted to the inner surface of the valve body. A fourth conduit is provided between the inner and outer surfaces of the valve body on the downstream side of the valve body. Third conduits are formed between the valve body and the downstream retainer. A differential pressure sensor is attached to the outer surface of the valve body and to the second and fourth conduits.