Parallel Gas Valve Assembly With Separated Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valve assemblies with multiple valve members experience interference between flow paths, leading to vortices and turbulence that negatively impact fluid flow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flow diverter and/or baffle assembly within the valve assembly to create separate and non-crossing flow paths, reducing interference and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of valve members is arranged in parallel to increase maximum flow, then the cross section of the valve increases and maximum flow increases, but the flow paths interfere with one another creating vortices and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into separate flow paths using flow path separators or baffles, creating distinct channels for each valve member's flow. This segmentation prevents interference between flows while maintaining the parallel valve member configuration for high capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow path separators act as intermediary structures between the parallel flow paths, physically isolating them to prevent vortex generation and turbulence while allowing each path to maintain its own flow characteristics.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple flow paths are created through parallel valve members, then the cross section increases and flow capacity improves, but the flow paths cross and interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The internal valve body structure is segmented into distinct flow path zones using separators that extend from the inlet to the outlet, ensuring that each parallel flow path remains spatially isolated throughout its length while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow path separators are positioned in the radial dimension of the valve body, creating concentric or radially separated flow paths that eliminate crossing while maximizing the use of available cross-sectional area.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve assembly (1) comprising: a common housing having a first side (8a), a second side (8b), an inlet port (2) and an outlet port (3); the valve assembly (1) comprising a first pair of valve members or poppets (4a, 4c) and a second pair of valve members or poppets (4b, 4d), a first pair of valve seats (5a, 5c) for cooperation with the first pair of valve members or poppets (4a, 4c), and a second pair of valve seats (5b, 5d) for cooperation with the second pair of valve members or poppets (4b, 4d); a central flow diverter (13c) disposed in between the first pair of valve members or poppets (4a, 4c) and the second pair of valve seats (5b, 5d), the central flow diverter (13c) defining a first side (11a) of the valve assembly (1) and a second side (11b) of the valve assembly (1).