Inline Multi-Port Ball Valve for 45-Degree Liquid Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inline, two-port ball valves require a 90-degree rotation to fully open or close, which is inefficient and lacks precise control over fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve assembly with two intersecting bores at approximately 90-degree angles allows for full opening and closing with a 1/8-turn rotation, utilizing an actuator to limit stem and ball rotation to 45 degrees, enabling faster and more precise control of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional single-bore ball valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve requires a 90-degree rotation to fully open or close, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is segmented into multiple bores (first bore and second bore) arranged at specific angular intervals. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve full opening or closing positions at smaller rotation angles (1/8-turn or 45 degrees) by aligning different bores with the flow path at different rotation positions, thereby reducing the operational rotation requirement while maintaining structural functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces angular/directional dimensionality by arranging multiple bores at different orientations (e.g., 90 degrees apart) within the ball. This multi-dimensional bore configuration enables the valve to control fluid flow through rotational positioning of different bores, achieving the same flow control function with reduced rotation angle compared to a single-bore design
2Measurement precision
If a single-bore ball valve is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the valve lacks precise control over fluid flow timing and amount
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is divided into multiple functional segments with separate bores that can be independently positioned at different angles. This segmentation enables precise control over fluid flow timing and amount by selecting which bore aligns with the flow path at any given rotation position, while the manufacturing process remains relatively straightforward using conventional drilling and machining techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the ball by incorporating multiple bores with different orientations, diameters, and angular positions. These parameter variations enable precise control over fluid flow characteristics (timing, amount, direction) while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes for creating multiple precisely positioned holes in spherical components
3Productivity
If a multi-bore ball valve is used, then the valve provides precise flow control, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is segmented into multiple bores that can be quickly aligned with the flow path through limited rotation (1/8-turn). This segmentation enables rapid valve operation by allowing the system to switch between different bore alignments without requiring full 90-degree rotation, thereby increasing productivity while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-bore ball serves multiple functions: it can control fluid flow through different bores for different operational modes (full open, full close, partial flow), provide rapid switching capability, and maintain a compact structure. This multi-functionality increases productivity by enabling quick operational changes without requiring separate valves or complex actuation mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A ball valve assembly having a valve body with a single inline fluid passage therethrough along a central longitudinal axis. A ball valve is sealingly seated in a valve seat within the valve body. The ball valve includes at least two through-bores, each of the at least two through-bores having a central axis intersecting one another, whereby the ball valve is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. In one application the ball valve has two bores intersecting one another such that an angle α between adjacent bore openings of the ball valve are less than 90 degrees and an angle β between other adjacent ends of the ball valve are greater than 90 degrees for applying liquid product in a seed furrow before and after each seed in the furrow but not onto the seed.