Fluid Distributor Valve Geometry for Precise Low-Flow Repartitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distributor valves struggle with precise control of fluid repartitioning from a drop-by-drop rate to a maximum flow rate, particularly in water purification and dispensing systems, due to small stroke lengths and calibration challenges, leading to inaccuracies and difficulties in handling extreme flow rate settings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distributor valve with valve mechanisms featuring progressively changing diameters to maintain a minimum gap at the end position of the stroke, allowing for precise control of flow rates through the use of a drive actuator, which can be a linear or rotary motor, and an integrated encoder for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional valve mechanism with small stroke length is used, then the valve structure is compact, but the precision of flow rate control from drop-by-drop to maximum flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with a progressively changing diameter along the stroke direction, creating a non-linear relationship between valve body position and flow rate. This dynamic geometric configuration allows a small physical stroke to produce a wide range of flow rates from near-zero to maximum, resolving the contradiction between compact stroke length and precise flow control across extreme ranges.
2Ease of operation
If the valve body is manually driven for precise positioning, then setting flexibility is improved, but repeatability and precision of predetermined flow rates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical positioning system is replaced with an electric motor drive system that uses encoded positional feedback to control valve body location. This substitution maintains the ability to set various flow rates while dramatically improving repeatability and precision through electronic control and memory of predetermined positions, eliminating human variability.
3Device complexity
If the valve mechanism is fully closed to stop flow, then flow control is simplified, but the delay in flow commencement and difficulty in dispensing extremely small flow rates worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fully closing the valve mechanism to stop flow, the invention maintains a minimum valve gap even at the end of the stroke range. This partial opening allows extremely small flow rates to be dispensed without the delays associated with breaking a fully closed valve seat, while still providing effective flow control through the progressive diameter design that creates high flow resistance at minimal openings.
4Measurement precision
If frequent calibration of valve stroke vs. flow rate is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The progressive diameter design creates an inherently stable and predictable relationship between valve body position and flow rate that requires minimal calibration. The geometric design itself serves as the calibration reference, with the encoded motor position providing continuous feedback that automatically maintains accuracy without requiring frequent external calibration interventions.
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 precise and accurate distribution of fluid flow rates from near zero to maximum rates, reducing the risk of valve mechanism delays and maintaining flow control without full contact engagement, thus improving responsiveness and precision in water purification and dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
each valve body (15, 16) includes a first portion (15a, 16a) that is formed with a progressively changing diameter so as to reduce a valve gap that exists between the valve bore inner peripheral wall and the valve body outer peripheral wall
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid distributor valve (1) for repartitioning an inlet fluid stream (Z) into two outlet fluid streams (X, Y), comprising an inlet port (10), two outlet ports (11, 12), a first and a second valve mechanism (13, 14), one arranged upstream each outlet port (11, 12), wherein each valve mechanism (13, 14) comprises a valve body (15, 16) slidable in a cylindrical valve bore (17) in reciprocating strokes through a valve shaft (18), wherein the valve body (15, 16) includes a first portion (15a, 16a) that is formed with a progressively changing diameter so as to reduce a valve gap between the valve bore inner peripheral wall and the valve body outer peripheral wall at a plane (A, B) perpendicular to the stroke direction, in a regular operating range of the valve mechanism (13, 14), from a maximum valve gap to a minimum valve gap, to reduce or increase the flow rate through the gap towards the associated outlet port (11, 12) upon the relative movement, and wherein at least one of the valve bodies (15, 16) of the valve mechanisms (13, 14), preferably both, is/are formed such that the minimum valve gap is maintained at the end position of the stroke of the valve body (15, 16) in the regular operating range.