Frangible Plug Valve Mechanism for Clean Fluid Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve mechanisms for fluid discharge, particularly in fire suppressant systems, generate multiple fragments upon fracture, which can cause blockages and complicate the sealing process, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A valve mechanism utilizing a frangible plug with a predefined fracture plane and encapsulating means to minimize fragment size and number, along with a retention system to prevent blockages, and a hermetic seal method using a metal support ring for improved reliability and reduced component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a frangible plug is used to seal the passageway, then the valve mechanism achieves rapid fluid discharge capability, but multiple fragments are generated upon fracture causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible plug is segmented into a frangible portion and a non-frangible portion, where only the frangible portion fractures upon activation. This segmentation ensures rapid discharge by breaking the seal while the non-frangible portion remains intact to prevent blockages and maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful frangible portion is extracted and separated from the essential non-frangible portion. The frangible portion is designed to be removed upon activation, while the non-frangible portion is retained in the valve body to continue functioning without causing blockages.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used with the frangible plug, then the sealing process becomes complex, but reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the non-frangible portion of the plug, which remains intact after activation. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms and reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable sealing before activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-frangible portion serves multiple functions: providing the seal before activation, maintaining structural support during operation, and preventing blockages after fracture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall design.
3Productivity
If the frangible plug fractures completely, then fluid discharge is achieved, but the valve mechanism requires increased complexity to manage fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible portion is extracted as a separate, removable component designed to be completely removed upon activation. This extraction approach ensures complete discharge while the remaining non-frangible portion is managed by the valve body structure, reducing the need for complex fragment management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible portion is designed as a disposable component that is intentionally designed to be destroyed during normal operation. This approach simplifies the overall system by accepting the temporary loss of this component while maintaining the integrity and reusability of the main valve body and non-frangible portion.
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 achieves a clean and efficient fracture of the plug, minimizing fragment generation and ensuring a reliable seal, reducing the risk of blockages and simplifying the design while maintaining rapid fluid discharge capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the plug comprises a predefined fracture plane. The plug is further configured to fracture across the predefined fracture plane upon application of an impact force
Implementation Method 2
an encapsulating means is provided on a surface of the second section of the plug, the encapsulating means being configured to retain that second section of the plug within the valve body upon fracture of the plug
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A valve mechanism 100 is herein described that utilises a frangible plug 10. The valve mechanism comprises a valve body 50 having an inlet port 52 and an outlet port 54 and a passageway 56 extending therebetween. The valve mechanism 100 comprises a frangible plug 10 that is held within the valve body 50 to block the passageway 56 when the plug is intact. The plug comprises a predefined fracture plane and is configured to fracture across the predefined fracture plate 90 upon application of an impact force.