Fluid Valve With Segmented Domed Flap Reduces Actuation Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid valves face inefficiencies in regulating gaseous or pressurized fluid flow due to restrictions, backpressure issues, and increased actuation torque at higher pressures, particularly failing to accurately control the flow of non-viscous gases like exhaust and air.
Innovation Solution
A fluid valve assembly with a thin-walled, domed flap and rotatable arms within a fluid cavity, featuring a concave and convex surface configuration that reduces actuation torque and enhances control, along with an annular sealing member for precise sealing and reduced impact loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluid valves are used to regulate gaseous or pressurized fluid flow, then the valve can control fluid flow, but the components (e.g., shafts) significantly affect backpressure and fluid flow rate when the valve is fully opened
Solution Approach 1:
The valve component is divided into multiple segments (first valve segment and second valve segment) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the valve to control fluid flow effectively while reducing the impact on backpressure and flow rate when fully opened, as each segment can be optimized for specific flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates a domed flap with concave and convex surfaces instead of flat surfaces. This curved geometry optimizes fluid flow characteristics, reduces turbulence, and minimizes backpressure while maintaining effective flow control capability.
2Stress or pressure
If conventional fluid valves are used at higher fluid pressures, then the valve can handle higher pressure, but more torque is required to maintain position and actuate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the valve into multiple rotatable segments, the actuation torque is distributed across multiple smaller rotational movements rather than one large movement against high pressure. Each segment rotates a smaller angle, reducing the cumulative torque requirement while maintaining pressure handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The domed flap geometry with concave and convex surfaces optimizes pressure distribution across the valve structure. This curved design reduces stress concentration and allows for more efficient force transmission, reducing the torque required to actuate the valve at high pressures.
3Stress or pressure
If conventional fluid valves are used at higher fluid pressures, then the valve can handle higher pressure, but the ability to accurately control the position of the valve is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-segment design allows for finer position control by enabling incremental rotation of each segment. This segmentation provides more granular control over valve opening position, maintaining accuracy even at high pressures where single-segment valves struggle.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates dynamic positioning capability where the first and second valve segments can rotate independently to achieve precise flow control. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains position control accuracy across varying pressure conditions by allowing real-time optimization of segment positions.
4Reliability
If conventional fluid valves are sealed, then the valve can prevent fluid leakage, but the seating velocity of the valve increases, which tends to increase the impact loads on the valve actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented valve structure allows for controlled sealing where each segment can make contact with its corresponding seal surface. This segmentation distributes the sealing action over multiple smaller contact points, reducing the seating velocity and impact loads on actuators while maintaining reliable sealing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a fluid valve assembly includes a body that defines a fluid cavity. The body includes an inlet through which fluid enters the fluid cavity and an outlet from which fluid exits the fluid cavity. The fluid valve assembly includes at least one arm rotatably coupled to the body and positioned within the fluid cavity. Additionally, the fluid valve assembly includes a flap coupled to the at least one arm. The flap includes a domed portion and a flat portion extending radially outwardly away from the domed portion.