Flow Regulator Valve Pin Assembly for Water Hammer Mitigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow regulators struggle to control water hammers generated by sudden fluid flow interruptions, particularly at high flow rates, leading to pipe explosions and lamination effects.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulator with a movable valve head and engaging pin system, utilizing a resilient element to gradually close the flow, preventing sudden closures and controlling water hammers through three distinct operating positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a main valve is used to interrupt fluid flow at high flow rates, then flow regulation is achieved, but water hammer pressure shocks are generated causing pipe explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into two functional parts: a main valve for flow regulation and a secondary valve for water hammer mitigation. The secondary valve is positioned to open in response to pressure shocks generated by main valve closure, providing a relief path that segments the pressure management function and prevents pipe explosions.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the main valve closure action and the pipe system. When the main valve closes and generates water hammer pressure, the secondary valve opens to mediate the pressure release, protecting the pipe system from direct exposure to explosive pressure shocks.
2Ease of operation
If a check valve is used to re-balance pressure between chambers, then valve re-opening is facilitated, but water hammer control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure management function is segmented into two distinct valve mechanisms: the check valve handles pressure equalization for smooth re-opening, while the secondary valve specifically addresses water hammer pressure shocks. This segmentation allows each valve to specialize in its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary valve serves as an intermediary pressure relief mechanism that activates specifically during water hammer events. It works in conjunction with the check valve, providing an additional pressure management pathway that the check valve alone cannot provide.
3Productivity
If the engaging pin is in sealed position during valve closure, then complete flow interruption is achieved, but sudden closure causes lamination effects
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging pin is designed to move to the sealed position after the valve head has already closed the main flow path. This preliminary closure of the main valve followed by the engaging pin sealing prevents sudden complete closure, as the flow is already reduced before the pin seals, avoiding lamination effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging pin provides a dynamic, staged closure mechanism rather than a single sudden closure action. The valve head closes first, then the engaging pin moves to seal, creating a progressive closure sequence that dynamically manages pressure and flow reduction to prevent lamination.
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
Effectively manages water hammers and prevents lamination effects by gradually reducing fluid flow, enhancing the regulator's robustness and ease of re-opening.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element which is capable of acting counter to the movement of the engaging pin from the at least one non-sealed position to the sealed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Flow regulator comprising a housing (10) having a first chamber (20), a second chamber (30) and a valve seat (40) which is arranged between these chambers, a valve head (50) which is arranged in the first chamber and which has at least a first surface which faces the first chamber, a second surface which faces the second chamber when the valve head is in a closed position and a through-hole between the first surface and second surface, the valve head being movable between an open position and a closed position, a shaft (60) which is capable of moving the valve head between the open and closed positions, and an engaging pin (70) which is at least partially received in the hole of the valve head in a sliding manner, the engaging pin being capable of moving with respect to the valve head between at least one non-sealed position and one sealed position, and being in this at least one non-sealed position when the valve head is in the open position and being capable of moving into the non-sealed position when the valve head is in the closed position.