Integrated Flow Rate Control Device with Dual Switching Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate control apparatuses are large in size and complex due to the need for a separate piping arrangement connecting the main valve, switching valve, and adjustment mechanism, which increases the number of parts and assembly steps, and lacks a reliable method for discharging residual pressure fluid.
Innovation Solution
A compact flow rate control apparatus with integrated switching valves and an adjustment mechanism, including a throttle valve and opening/closing valve, eliminates the need for separate piping, reducing the number of components and assembly complexity, and ensures reliable discharge of residual pressure fluid through dual switching valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate piping arrangement is used to connect the main valve, switching valve, and adjustment mechanism, then the apparatus can control flow rate and switch communication states, but the number of parts increases and the apparatus becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the main valve, switching valve, and adjustment mechanism into a single integrated valve assembly. The body of the integrated valve assembly contains internal passages that connect the inlet port, outlet port, and discharge ports, eliminating the need for separate piping arrangements. This merging of components reduces the number of parts while maintaining the flow rate control and communication switching capabilities.
2Reliability
If a separate piping arrangement is used to connect the main valve, switching valve, and adjustment mechanism, then the apparatus can control flow rate and switch communication states, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly with internal passages, the patent eliminates the need for complex piping connections during assembly. The integrated design allows for simpler assembly processes while maintaining the required flow rate control and communication switching functions.
3Device complexity
If only one switching valve is provided, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but the ability to reliably discharge residual pressure fluid is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a backup switching valve as a redundancy measure. If one switching valve malfunctions, the other can still perform the discharge function, ensuring reliable residual pressure fluid discharge. This redundancy is built into the design to prevent potential failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration from a single switching valve to multiple switching valves, altering the system's redundancy parameter. This allows the system to maintain discharge capability even when one valve is non-functional, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a throttle valve is used to restrict flow rate initially, then abrupt supply of pressure fluid is prevented, but the apparatus requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the throttle valve function into the adjustment mechanism of the integrated valve assembly. The adjustment mechanism includes a throttle valve that can restrict flow rate initially to prevent abrupt supply of pressure fluid, protecting the fluid pressure device from damage. This integration eliminates the need for separate throttle valve components.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate control device, including: a body including first and second ports for supplying and discharging pressurized fluid; a set of first and second solenoid valves connected to an upper part of the body and selecting a state of flow of the pressurized fluid; and an opening/closing valve for increasing a flow rate of the pressurized fluid which flows as the result of selection by the first and second solenoid valves. The pressurized fluid is caused to flow from the first port to the second port at a predetermined flow rate while the opening/closing valve is closed, and then the flow rate of the pressurized fluid flowing from the first port to the second port is increased by opening the opening/closing valve.