Flow Path Switching Valve With Pressure Equalizing Valve Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path switching valves require large forces to shift the pushrod due to fluid pressure acting on the valve elements, necessitating a powerful drive unit.
Innovation Solution
A flow path switching valve design with a valve body containing first and second back pressure chambers, intermediate chamber, and pressure equalizing paths, allowing the cancellation of fluid pressures on the valve elements, reducing the force required to shift the valve rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve elements are separated from the valve seats to open the flow paths, then the flow paths are opened, but a large force is required to shift the pushrod due to fluid pressure acting on the valve elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterbalancing mechanism where a counterweight member is positioned to receive fluid pressure from the first flow path and generate a counteracting force. This counter force balances the fluid pressure acting on the valve elements during opening, significantly reducing the net force required to shift the pushrod while maintaining reliable flow path switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the fluid pressure in the first flow path and the valve elements. By receiving fluid pressure and transmitting it as a counteracting force to the pushrod assembly, this intermediary component enables easier operation without compromising the reliability of the valve element separation and flow path opening
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
Enables switching of flow paths with a small force by equalizing pressures on the valve elements, thus reducing the operational force needed.
Implementation Method 1
The valve body or the valve rod has a pressure equalizing path through which the first back pressure chamber and the second back pressure chamber are connected. Pressure of a fluid in the second flow path is applied to a surface, which faces the first back pressure chamber, of the first valve element and a surface, which faces the second back pressure chamber of the second valve element. The pressure applied to the surface of the first valve element and the pressure applied to the surface of the second valve element can be canceled.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a flow path switching valve that can switch flow paths with a small force. [Solution] In a flow path switching valve 1, when a valve rod 30 is shifted toward a first back pressure chamber 21, a first valve chamber 22 is separated from the first back pressure chamber 21 by a first valve element 41, and a second valve chamber 24 is separated from an intermediate chamber 23 by a second valve element 42. When the valve rod 30 is shifted toward a second back pressure chamber, the first valve chamber 22 is separated from the intermediate chamber 23 by the first valve element 41, the second valve chamber 24 is separated from the second back pressure chamber 25 by the second valve element 42. The valve rod 30 has a pressure equalizing path 31 through which the first back pressure chamber 21 and the second back pressure chamber 25 are connected.