Flow Control Valve Scale Mechanism for Compact Opening Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate control valves are bulky due to the radial offset of the display ring's central axis, which increases the size of the chassis and the valve, making them less compact than desired for space-saving applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate control valve design with a clutch mechanism and scale indicator that allows for compact construction by rotating the scale marks in synchronization with the handle, using a cam mechanism and spring to switch and lock the scale indicator's position, enabling precise display of the opening degree without increasing the valve's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the display ring's central axis is offset radially outward from the shaft portion, then the scale marks can be displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the display ring, but the chassis must bulge outward in the radial direction, increasing the overall size of the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the display mechanism from a radial offset arrangement to a coaxial arrangement, utilizing the axial dimension instead. The scale body is disposed coaxially with the handle and needle valve, with scale marks on its outer peripheral surface that can be viewed through a display window in the chassis, eliminating the need for radial bulging.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale body is nested within the axial space of the existing valve structure, surrounding the shaft portion coaxially. This nesting approach allows the display function to be integrated into the existing axial footprint without requiring additional radial space, making efficient use of the available internal volume.
2Area of stationary object
If the chassis is made compact by eliminating radial offset, then the overall valve size is reduced, but the mechanism for displaying rotation operation amount must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function with the existing rotational components. The scale body rotates together with the handle and needle valve around the same axis, and the scale marks are positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the scale body, which can be viewed through a display window in the chassis. This integration eliminates the need for separate display mechanisms while maintaining the indication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale body serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component surrounding the shaft portion, provides the mounting surface for scale marks, and rotates synchronously with the handle to indicate the rotation operation amount. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated display components, simplifying the overall mechanism.
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 compact design allows for accurate display of the rotation operation amount of the handle, maintaining the functionality of existing valves while reducing the overall size, making it suitable for space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch mechanism includes an engaging portion and an engaged portion configured to transmit the rotation of the handle to the scale body by engaging with each other so as to rotate the scale indicator and the scale body together about the axis
Implementation Method 2
a clutch drive mechanism configured to disengage the engaging portion from the engaged portion each time the handle is rotated at a predetermined angle so as to enable the scale indicator to rotate about the axis relative to the scale body
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate control valve includes a handle rotatably provided on a first body including a second flow path, a needle valve that adjusts the opening degree of the second flow path in accordance with the rotation of the handle, a scale body rotatably provided in the handle, a shaft portion provided in the handle, where the shaft portion can rotate together with the handle and the needle valve to move the needle valve in the axial direction, a clutch mechanism that can transmit rotation of the shaft portion to the scale body and block the transmission of rotation, and a cam mechanism that causes the shaft portion to move linearly. The clutch mechanism transmits the rotation of the shaft portion to the scale body in accordance with the operation performed by the cam mechanism and blocks the transmission of rotation.