Gate Valve Locking Crank Mechanism for High Sealing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate valve locking mechanisms are not suitable for applications requiring greater sealing force, as they fail to maintain a stable locking state during sealing.
Innovation Solution
A gate valve design incorporating a parallel equal crank mechanism, comprising a sliding seat, valve member, and elastic element, where the sliding seat and valve member's cranks work together to provide increased sealing force through a horizontal crank position, allowing the valve member to effectively seal the valve opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a swing arm and non-linear track structure is used for locking, then the valve member can be locked during sealing, but the structure is not suitable for applications requiring greater sealing force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking protrusion and locking groove engage only at the sealed position, allowing the valve member to transition from a movable state during opening/closing to a locked state during sealing. This dynamic approach enables the structure to adapt to different operational phases, providing stability when needed without compromising sealing force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is divided into functionally distinct segments: a sealing portion for sealing the valve opening and a locking portion with locking protrusion for engagement with the locking groove. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the sealing portion for maximum sealing force and the locking portion for stable positioning, resolving the contradiction between locking stability and sealing force requirements.
2Force
If the valve member requires greater force to seal the valve opening, then the prior art structure cannot maintain stable locking state
Solution Approach 1:
The locking groove is pre-formed in the valve body at the precise location where the locking protrusion needs to engage. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the valve member reaches the sealed position, the locking protrusion can immediately engage with the locking groove without requiring additional force or adjustment, maintaining locking state stability even under high sealing force conditions.
3Device complexity
If a simple sealing structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot provide sufficient sealing force for demanding applications
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the moving component that opens and closes the valve opening and as the locking component that engages with the locking groove. By integrating the locking function into the valve member itself rather than adding separate locking mechanisms, the design achieves high sealing force capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 greater sealing force and maintains a stable locked state, making it suitable for applications needing enhanced sealing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element having one end abutted against the sliding seat and another end abutted against the valve member; an elastic restoring force of the elastic element driving the valve member to move downward relative to the sliding seat
Data Source
AI summary
A gate valve with a locking function, includes: a housing having a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate having a valve opening penetrating therethrough respectively; a driving unit; a sliding seat having a plurality of sliding abutment members; a valve member having two cranks swingably arranged on the sliding seat; the two cranks configured to form a parallel equal crank mechanism jointly with the sliding seat and the valve member; and an elastic element; wherein when the sliding seat is at the highest position, the two cranks are of a slanted shape; when the sliding seat is at the lowest position, the two cranks are of a horizontal shape relatively to the housing.