Fluid Valve With Segmented Regulating Device For Blending Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid treatment valves face challenges in precisely adjusting the blending ratio of fluid flow over a wide range without increasing the complexity of the actuation mechanism or reducing the size of the valve openings, which affects flow resistance.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with a regulating device comprising two occlusion parts and a control member that allows for stepwise adjustment of fluid flow through two ports, enabling precise control of the blending ratio without increasing the range of movement or reducing the step change, using a catch mechanism and a rotatably journalled spindle for easy actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of steps for adjusting blending ratio is increased, then the precision of blending ratio control is improved, but the device complexity and actuation mechanism sophistication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple ports (first port and second ports) with separate flow paths. The regulating device is segmented into first and second parts that independently control different outlet channels. This segmentation allows precise control of blending ratio through independent adjustment of each part without requiring complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension by arranging adjustment rings at different locations (first adjustment ring at inlet opening of first outlet channel, second adjustment ring at inlet opening of second outlet channel) with different profiles. This dimensional arrangement allows precise blending ratio control through the interaction of multiple adjustment rings rather than requiring complex actuation of a single mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the range of movement of the regulating device is increased to achieve wider blending ratio adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the valve opening size is reduced which increases flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
Different adjustment rings have different profiles tailored to their specific functions. The first adjustment ring has a profiled lower end face for controlling the first outlet channel, while the second adjustment ring has a profiled upper end face for controlling the second outlet channel. This local differentiation allows each ring to optimize valve opening area for its specific control range, achieving wide overall blending ratio adjustment without reducing individual valve opening sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple adjustment rings positioned at different locations and orientations within the valve body. The first adjustment ring controls flow to the first outlet channel while the second adjustment ring controls flow to the second outlet channel. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows independent control of different flow paths, achieving wide blending ratio adjustment range while maintaining adequate valve opening areas for low flow resistance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the step change size is reduced for finer adjustment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the azimuthal dimensions of steps must be smaller which increases flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into multiple adjustment rings with different profiles rather than using a single mechanism with many small steps. Each adjustment ring provides coarse adjustment with larger step dimensions, avoiding the need for small azimuthal dimensions that would increase flow resistance. The segmentation allows precise blending ratio control through the combination of multiple rings rather than requiring fine steps in a single ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of adjustment step size by using multiple adjustment rings with different profiles instead of many small steps in a single ring. Each ring provides adjustment with adequate step dimensions that maintain low flow resistance. The precise control is achieved through the interaction of multiple rings with different step characteristics rather than requiring uniformly small steps.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A valve for a fluid treatment apparatus, includes a body (23), having formed therein at least one first port (25) and at least two second ports (26,27), and a regulating device (32;55) positioned between the first and second ports (25,26,27) in flow sense. The regulating device (32;55) includes a first part (30;56) for occluding a path between the first port (25) and a first of the second ports (26,27) to an extent determined by a position along a range of positions of the first part (30;56) and a second part (31;57) for occluding a path between the first port (25) and a second of the second ports (26,27) to an extent determined by a position along a range of positions of the second part (31). The regulating device (32;55) includes a control member (33) for adjusting the position of the first part (30;56) in either of opposite directions along the range. The degrees of occlusion by each of the first and second parts (30,31) vary stepwise with their respective positions along the respective ranges. The second part (31;57) is journalled for relative movement with respect to the first part (30;56) along a range of relative positions. A catch mechanism is provided between the first and the second parts (30,31;56,57) for entraining the second part (31;57) at at least one end point of the range of relative positions.