Fluid Valve With Transient Space Reduces Actuation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid valves require high energy to open shutters due to the combined forces needed to overcome both the elastic means and the pressure of the fluid, especially in systems with multiple valves, leading to inefficient energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The valve design includes an inlet opening that turns through a right angle, a transient space to dissipate fluid pressure, and a movement unit with a rod and pulling means to reduce the force required to open the shutter, allowing the fluid to bypass the shutter's direct pressure, thus separating the force needed from the fluid's conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shutter is positioned to close the inlet opening directly, then the valve achieves effective fluid shut-off, but the force required to open the shutter increases due to direct fluid pressure on the shutter surface
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple independent stages, each with its own shutter and inlet opening. This segmentation allows each shutter to handle only a portion of the total fluid flow, reducing the pressure force on each individual shutter while maintaining effective shut-off of the entire fluid stream through coordinated operation of multiple stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet opening is oriented perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, creating a geometric arrangement where the fluid pressure acts on the shutter from a different dimensional orientation. This angular relationship reduces the direct axial force component on the shutter, making it easier to open while still achieving effective sealing when closed.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic or pneumatic systems are used to move the shutter, then the valve achieves reliable actuation, but the energy consumption increases due to the high force required to overcome both elastic means and fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the valve into multiple stages with separate shutters, each actuator only needs to overcome the elastic force and reduced fluid pressure of its own stage rather than the total system pressure. This segmentation of the actuation task significantly reduces the energy consumption of each electromagnetic or pneumatic system while maintaining reliable shut-off through coordinated operation of all stages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used in an apparatus, then the valve achieves comprehensive fluid control, but the total energy consumption increases due to each valve requiring high force to open its shutter
Solution Approach 1:
Each valve in the apparatus is segmented into multiple stages, so that the energy consumption of each valve is reduced. When multiple such valves are used together, the total energy consumption of the apparatus is significantly lower compared to using conventional single-stage valves, while maintaining comprehensive fluid control capability through the coordinated operation of multiple multi-stage valves.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a valve (1 ) for fluids, comprising an inlet opening (6) of the fluid extending along a respective axis of extension (12) and an outlet opening (7) of the fluid extending along a respective axis of extension (4) positioned transversally relative to the axis of extension (12). Moreover, the valve (1 ) comprises a shutter (1 1 ) operatively associated with the inlet opening (6) and movable between an open position and a closed position along the axis of extension (12). More specifically, the shutter (1 1 ) defines a gap (33) placed in fluid communication with the inlet opening (6) and extending through the shutter (1 1 ) towards a transient space (32) which is closed, at least during the closed position of the shutter, with respect to the outlet opening.