Gate Valve Laminar Segmentation for Sealing and Dirt Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gate valves with laminar gate elements face issues with sealing due to pressure-induced bending and dirt accumulation, leading to operational inefficiencies and high manufacturing costs, particularly in complex and costly structures.
Innovation Solution
A gate valve design featuring separate moving parts that seal against the edges of the flow path, incorporating an elastic element like a diaphragm spring, and a laminar structure with a profiled edge part for support, along with a cleaning mechanism to prevent dirt accumulation, enhancing both assembly and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a laminar gate element is used, then the valve structure is simplified and manufacturing costs are reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to pressure-induced bending
Solution Approach 1:
The gate element is divided into multiple laminar layers that can move independently. This segmentation allows each layer to flex under pressure without compromising the overall sealing function, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate element's physical parameters are optimized by adjusting the number of laminar layers, their thickness, and material properties. This enables the gate to maintain flexibility for reliable sealing while keeping the structure simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
2Reliability
If the gate element is made flexible to improve sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but the gate element bends under pressure causing dirt accumulation and hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gate into multiple rigid laminar layers rather than using a single flexible element, the design achieves sealing through the collective action of multiple flat surfaces, preventing the bending that leads to dirt accumulation while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of pressure-induced deformation into a benefit by using multiple rigid layers that can slightly shift independently under pressure to maintain sealing, rather than bending as a single element would.
3Reliability
If complex seal and valve structures are used to improve sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex sealing problem is solved by segmenting the gate into multiple simple laminar layers, where the complexity is distributed across several simple components rather than concentrated in a single complex structure, achieving reliable sealing through their collective arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs a composite structure combining multiple laminar gate elements with the valve body and seal rings, creating a composite system that achieves superior sealing reliability while keeping individual components relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
4Reliability
If a cast valve body with complex gate mechanism is used, then sealing reliability improves, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into separable components including the valve body, multiple laminar gate elements, and seal rings. This allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimal processes and assembled together, improving both manufacturability and assembly ease while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate mechanism uses dynamic laminar layers that can move independently during operation, allowing the valve to adapt to pressure changes and maintain sealing without requiring a complex fixed structure, thereby simplifying manufacturing while preserving reliability.
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 reliable sealing, improved operational hygiene, and reduced manufacturing costs by using a modular, easily assembled valve structure with effective sealing and cleaning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
whereby between said gate parts a force effect can be provided which prevails in said gate parts in opposite directions substantially in the direction of the flow path pressing said gate parts towards the edges
Implementation Method 2
By arranging cleaning means into connection with the valve, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of material being conveyed in the flow path into the space between the body walls
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 3A~6
AI summary
A gate valve which comprises a body (101), a gate element (102) which is movable in the body in the cross direction in relation to a flow path (103) between at least two positions, a first position in which the flow path (103) is open, and a second position in which the flow path is closed, and means (104) for moving the gate element (102) between at least two said positions. The gate element (102) comprises a gate part (105) and an actuating body (108) along with which the gate part (105) is arranged to move in a space between body walls (109, 110).