Flexible Wedge Gate Valve Cover Clamping for Easier Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wedge gate valves are large and heavy, requiring multiple bolts for securement and tight dimensional tolerances for reliable sealing, which complicates manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wedge gate valve design with a reduced size and weight, utilizing a valve cover that exerts clamping forces in both perpendicular and parallel directions to the central axis, eliminating the need for multiple bolts and allowing for easier assembly and improved sealing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wedge gate valve design is used, then sealing function is achieved, but size and weight become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible membrane seal instead of a rigid wedge gate. The membrane is made of elastomeric material that can deform to conform to the sealing surface, achieving reliable sealing while using significantly less material. This flexible membrane replaces the traditional thick rigid wedge structure, reducing valve weight while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining rigid valve body components with flexible elastomeric sealing elements. The valve body maintains structural strength while the flexible membrane provides sealing functionality. This composite approach allows the valve to be lighter overall while preserving both structural integrity and sealing performance.
2Reliability
If rigid wedge portion with sharp transition is used, then sealing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane seal eliminates the need for sharp transitions and tight tolerances between rigid components. The elastomeric material naturally conforms to the sealing surface geometry through elastic deformation, providing reliable sealing even with less precise manufacturing. This replaces the rigid wedge design that required sharp edges and tight dimensional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sealing element from rigid to flexible. By using elastomeric material with appropriate durometer and elasticity, the sealing element can adapt to surface variations and manufacturing tolerances that would be problematic for rigid components, thereby reducing the required manufacturing precision while maintaining sealing reliability.
3Strength
If multiple bolts are used for securement, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate fastening elements into a single integrated clamp structure. The clamp engages with the valve body and membrane assembly, providing structural securing in multiple locations simultaneously. This merging of fastening functions reduces the number of individual bolts needed while maintaining structural strength and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design serves multiple functions: it secures the membrane to the valve body, provides structural reinforcement, and enables easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized fasteners, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
4Weight of stationary object
If reduced size and weight are achieved, then ease of handling is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses composite construction where lightweight flexible membrane materials are combined with strategically placed rigid structural components. The elastomeric membrane provides sealing function with minimal weight, while the valve body and clamp provide necessary structural strength. This composite approach achieves weight reduction without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane seal achieves sealing function with minimal material thickness compared to rigid wedge gates. The elastomeric material's inherent flexibility and conformability allow thin-film construction that is both lightweight and structurally sufficient for its sealing purpose, improving ease of handling while maintaining necessary strength.
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 design achieves a significant reduction in size and weight, enhances structural strength, and improves sealing efficiency with fewer bolts required for securement, facilitating easier assembly and manufacturing with less precise tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the valve cover exerting a clamping force on the ridge, the clamping force having a first force component perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and a second force component parallel with the central longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A gate valve includes a valve body and a valve cover. The valve body includes a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, a flow passage from the first opening to the second opening, and a gate channel from the flow passage to the third opening. The gate channel has a central longitudinal axis and a ridge defining a perimeter of the third opening. The valve cover can fit over the third opening and, under force on the valve cover, exert a clamping force on the ridge. The clamping force has a first force component perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and a second force component parallel with the central longitudinal axis. The first force component of the clamping force is toward the gate channel. The ridge includes a first surface configured to mate with a first surface of the valve cover.