Heated valve assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve heating solutions, such as silicone heaters, are prone to damage and require frequent replacement, and they increase the size of the valve, which is disadvantageous in space-limited applications like aerospace.
Innovation Solution
A heated valve assembly with a thermally conductive valve seat housing that incorporates one or more heater elements, providing localized heating to prevent freezing and ensure reliable operation of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If silicone heaters are used to provide heating, then heating effectiveness is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates and reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is merged with the valve seat structure itself, creating an integrated heated valve seat assembly. The heater is positioned within the valve seat housing and thermally coupled to the valve seat, combining the structural function of the valve seat with the heating function in a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the weakness of separate silicone heater attachments.
2Temperature
If silicone heaters are used to provide heating, then heating coverage is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat and heater are merged into a single assembly unit that can be manufactured and tested together as one component. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps, while maintaining comprehensive heating coverage of the valve seat surface.
3Reliability
If silicone heaters are wrapped around valve parts, then heating protection is improved, but volume increases and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is nested within the valve seat housing structure, with the heating element positioned inside the valve seat assembly. This nesting arrangement allows the heating function to be incorporated within the existing valve volume without requiring additional external space, maintaining compact dimensions while providing effective heating protection.
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 solution effectively prevents freezing of valve components at low temperatures, ensuring the valve remains functional and reduces the need for frequent replacements, while also minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a heater is incorporated in the valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
A heated valve assembly includes a valve and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve seat extending across the flow passage and a moveable valve member movable in the flow passage relative to the valve seat between a closed position, in which the moveable valve member is sealing engaged with the valve seat to prevent flow of fluid in the flow passage past the valve assembly, and an open position in which the moveable valve member is moved out of sealing engagement with the valve seat. The valve seat includes a valve seat housing of thermally conductive material, and one or more heater elements incorporated within the valve seat housing.