Gate Valve Screw-Assisted Valve Plate Detachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate valves require significant trouble and time for replacing the sealing member due to the difficulty in detaching the valve plate from the valve rod, especially when the connecting portion of the valve rod is tightly inserted.
Innovation Solution
A gate valve design where the valve plate is detachably connected to the valve rod using a connecting screw with a contact portion that allows the valve plate to move along the rod axis when the screw is loosened, facilitated by a helical groove and counterbore configuration, enabling easy detachment even when the valve rod is tightly inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the valve rod is tightly inserted in the valve-plate attaching hole to prevent relative rotation, then the connection stability is improved, but the valve plate cannot be detached by lifting with a tool
Solution Approach 1:
A wedge-shaped detaching tool is introduced as an intermediary between the lifting tool and the valve plate. This tool fits into the wedge-shaped space formed by the valve plate's lower surface and the valve rod's upper surface, allowing the application of lifting force without requiring direct access to the valve plate's bottom surface, thereby enabling detachment while maintaining tight connection during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting screw is loosened as a preliminary action before attempting to detach the valve plate. This creates initial separation between the valve plate and valve rod, forming the wedge-shaped space that accommodates the detaching tool, making the subsequent lifting operation feasible
2Ease of operation
If the valve plate is loosely inserted in the mounting hole, then the valve plate can be detached by lifting with a tool, but the connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped detaching tool serves as a mediator that enables force transmission during detachment without compromising the tight connection during normal operation. The tool only becomes functional when the connecting screw is loosened and the wedge-shaped space is created, ensuring stability is maintained during use
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a static tight fit during operation to a dynamic state where the wedge-shaped space can accommodate the detaching tool. The same wedge-shaped geometry that ensures stable connection during operation enables tool insertion and force application during detachment
3Ease of repair
If the gate valve is detached from the vacuum chamber to replace the sealing member, then the sealing member can be replaced, but the time and trouble required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve is segmented into detachable components: the valve plate can be separated from the valve rod, and the cover can be removed from the valve casing. This segmentation allows the sealing member on the valve plate to be replaced without detaching the entire gate valve from the vacuum chamber, significantly reducing replacement time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve plate is extracted from the valve rod assembly through the wedge-shaped detachment mechanism. This extraction allows access to the sealing member for replacement while the gate valve remains installed on the vacuum chamber, eliminating the need for complete disassembly and reducing maintenance downtime
Data Source
AI summary
A gate valve includes a valve plate and a valve rod that are detachably connected along a rod axis by screwing a connecting screw in a screw hole formed at an end of a valve rod through a screw insertion hole formed in the valve plate. The valve plate includes a contact portion that is in contact with the connecting screw. When the connecting screw is loosened to detach the valve plate from the valve rod, the valve plate is displaced along the rod axis together with the connecting screw via the contact portion to move to a valve-plate detaching position at which the connecting screw comes completely out of the screw hole of the valve rod. Accordingly, the valve plate can be detached from the valve rod easily and reliably even if the valve rod is tightly inserted in the valve plate mounting hole.