Fluid Stop Valve with Pressure-Responsive Opening to Reduce Hammering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid stop valves require increased force to further open beyond a threshold opening force, leading to inefficiencies in fluid flow and potential issues like hammering in conduits and sudden pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
A fluid stop valve unit with a pressure-responsive part that transitions from a closed to an open state with a decrease in pressure after a threshold pressure is reached, utilizing components like rubber, elastomer, or metal springs with diaphragm designs to minimize the force required for opening and maintain the open state, reducing pressure drop and flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional fluid stop valve is used with linear opening/closing characteristic, then the valve requires increased force to further open beyond threshold pressure, but this leads to higher pressure drops and potential hammering in conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional valve opening characteristic by designing a pressure-responsive part that causes the valve to open with decreasing force after reaching threshold pressure, rather than requiring increasing force. This is achieved through the elastic deformation characteristics of the pressure-responsive part (elastomeric material or spring mechanism) which naturally provides decreasing resistance as it deforms, thereby reducing pressure drop and preventing water hammer effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure-force parameter relationship by introducing a pressure-responsive part with specific elastic characteristics. The valve opening force is transformed from a linearly increasing function to a function that peaks at threshold pressure then decreases, allowing the valve to open smoothly with lower pressure drop. The elastic modulus and geometric parameters of the pressure-responsive part are optimized to achieve the desired force-deformation curve
2Reliability
If a conventional valve with threshold opening pressure is used, then the valve opens at a specific pressure, but this causes sudden closure and hammering in conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the sudden closure behavior by designing the pressure-responsive part to provide a gradual closing characteristic. As pressure decreases below the threshold, the elastic recovery of the pressure-responsive part occurs progressively rather than suddenly, preventing water hammer effects while maintaining reliable valve closure. The elastic characteristics ensure smooth transition from open to closed state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using the elastic deformation capability of the pressure-responsive part to cushion the valve closure process. The elastic material absorbs and dissipates the energy that would otherwise cause sudden closure and hammering, providing a缓冲 (cushioning) effect during the pressure transition and closure process
3Stress or pressure
If a valve with linear opening/closing characteristic is used, then the pressure drop across the valve is high, but this reduces the critical flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure-flow parameter relationship by optimizing the pressure-responsive part's elastic characteristics to minimize pressure drop during valve opening. The force-deformation curve of the pressure-responsive part is designed to peak at threshold pressure then decrease, allowing the valve to open with minimal pressure loss and maintaining higher critical flow rates for the same system pressure
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 solution enables higher critical flow rates with lower pressure drops, minimizing the risk of hammering and sudden closure, while maintaining the valve open with significantly less pressure than required for opening, thus improving fluid distribution system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure responsive part comprises a part made of rubber or elastomer; or is a separate spring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a fluid stop valve unit comprising at least one fluid stop valve and a pressure responsive part, integrated or separate, arranged so that the at least one fluid stop valve is kept in a closed state. The pressure responsive part, integrated or separate, has an opening characteristic going from the closed state to an open state with a decrease of pressure after a threshold pressure has been reached.