Gate Valve Locking 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 have protruding abutment members and cranks that engage with the housing to generate a strong sealing force through a horizontal crank position, allowing for enhanced sealing and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a swing arm and sliding slot mechanism is used for locking, then the locking effect is achieved, but the sealing force is insufficient for applications requiring greater force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking protrusion and locking groove engage only at specific positions during the valve's operation. The locking structure transitions between engaged and disengaged states dynamically, allowing the valve to maintain stability when locked while enabling smooth operation during opening and closing cycles. This dynamic approach ensures both strong sealing force and reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the crank mechanism to optimize the locking angle and engagement position. By adjusting the dimensions and angles of the locking protrusion, locking groove, and crank arms, the mechanism achieves optimal force transmission and locking stability. The parameter optimization ensures that the locking engagement occurs at the most favorable position for maintaining sealing force.
2Force
If the valve member requires greater force to seal the valve opening, then the prior art structure is not suitable, but a new mechanism is needed to provide sufficient sealing force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force transmission path into distinct functional components: the driving unit, sliding seat, crank mechanism, and valve member. Each component is optimized for its specific function, allowing the system to generate and transmit high sealing force efficiently. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved surfaces and rounded profiles in the locking protrusion, locking groove, and crank connections. These curved geometries facilitate smooth motion transitions, reduce stress concentrations, and enable the mechanism to handle high forces without increasing structural complexity. The curved profiles allow for gradual engagement and disengagement, maintaining force efficiency.
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 gate valve achieves a greater sealing force and maintains a stable locked state, suitable for applications requiring higher sealing forces, by utilizing the parallel equal crank mechanism to ensure effective sealing and locking.
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
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AI summary
A gate valve (10) with a locking function, includes: a housing (11) having a first plate (12) and a second plate (14), the first plate (12) and the second plate (14) having each a valve opening (121, 141) penetrating therethrough respectively; a driving unit (21); a sliding seat (31) having a plurality of sliding abutment members (34); a valve member (41) having two cranks (42) swingably arranged on the sliding seat (31); the two cranks (42) configured to form a parallel equal crank mechanism jointly with the sliding seat (31) and the valve member (41); and an elastic element (51); wherein when the sliding seat (31) is at the highest position, the two cranks (42) make a slanted shape; when the sliding seat (31) is at the lowest position, the two cranks (42) make a horizontal shape relatively to the housing (11), the sliding seat (31) and a plurality of sliding abutment members (44) of the valve member (41) abut against the bottom portion (111) of the housing (11), the valve member (41) swings relative to the sliding seat (31) to allow the valve member (41) to seal a position of the valve opening (141) of the second plate (14), and the plurality of sliding abutment members (34) on the sliding seat (31) also roll on the inner side of the first plate (12).