Flow Control Valve Scale Clutch for Compact Opening Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves with indicator rings have a centrally located axis, requiring a larger casing and increased size, which is undesirable for space-saving applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring a scale body and clutch mechanism that allows for reduced size by integrating the scale reading part with the knob, using a cam surface and cam copying projection to change scale marks without increasing the overall size, and employing resistance generating projections to prevent co-rotation during scale mark changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the indicator ring is provided at a location eccentric radially outward of the shaft portion, then the opening degree can be indicated, but the radial size of the valve body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the indicator ring from a radial eccentric position to an axial position on the shaft portion. Instead of extending the radial dimension to accommodate the indicator ring externally, the indicator ring is integrated onto the shaft portion in the axial direction. This dimensional repositioning allows the indicator function to be achieved without increasing the radial size of the valve body, thus resolving the contradiction between indication capability and compact radial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator ring is nested onto the shaft portion, with the shaft portion passing through the indicator ring. This nesting arrangement allows the indicator ring to be integrated within the existing structural envelope of the valve body rather than requiring additional radial space. The indicator ring becomes a component layered on the shaft portion, eliminating the need for radial expansion while maintaining the indication function.
2Measurement precision
If the casing is formed to accommodate an eccentrically positioned indicator ring, then the indicator can function, but the overall size of the flow control valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the indicator ring from a radial eccentric arrangement that would require casings to swell outward to an axial arrangement where the indicator ring is positioned along the axial length of the shaft portion. This allows the indicator function to be achieved within the existing radial envelope of the valve, preventing volume increase while maintaining indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator ring is merged with the shaft portion as an integrated assembly, where the shaft portion passes through the indicator ring and they function together. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural accommodations in the casing for an eccentrically positioned indicator ring, allowing compact valve design while maintaining the indication function.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control valve adjusts an opening degree of a second channel by moving a needle valve in a first axis direction in accordance with a rotating operation amount of a knob provided at the first body, and includes a scale body, and a scale reading part that indicates the scale mark corresponding to the rotating operation amount of the knob, and a clutch mechanism that changes the scale mark of the scale body when the knob is rotated. The clutch mechanism includes an engaging portion, an engaged portion, and a clutch drive mechanism, and the scale reading part and the scale body rotate integrally when the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged. The clutch drive mechanism releases engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion when the knob is rotated and, after the scale mark is changed, re-engages the engaging portion with the engaged portion.