Integrated Flow Control Device with Needle Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control devices are bulky and complex, with numerous components that complicate assembly and increase weight, while also requiring separate elements for the valve seat, which hinders miniaturization and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a compact design featuring a resin-made main body with integrated tubular sections and a needle valve mechanism, where the needle valve is guided through axial displacement to control fluid flow, and a check valve is used to ensure airtightness, reducing the number of components and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional flow control devices use separate components for valve seat and valve body, then the device can be assembled with standard parts, but the device becomes bulky and complex with increased number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is integrated directly into the valve body as a built-in feature rather than a separate component. The valve body includes a flow passage with a valve seat formed as an integral part, eliminating the need for separate valve seat components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining assembly ease.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional flow control devices use multiple separate components, then each component can be optimized independently, but the device size increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The valve body incorporates the flow passage, valve seat, and check valve housing as integral features. The limiter mechanism is integrated into the valve assembly with the limiter member engaging directly with the valve stem, reducing the number of separate parts and enabling device miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is nested within the valve body structure, with the check valve seat formed as an integral feature of the valve body. The limiter member is nested within the valve assembly, engaging with the valve stem without requiring separate housing structures. This nesting arrangement reduces overall device volume while maintaining functional independence.
3Ease of repair
If conventional flow control devices use separate valve seat components, then the valve seat can be replaced independently, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is merged with the valve body as an integral feature, eliminating the need for separate valve seat installation and sealing operations. This integration simplifies the assembly process and reduces assembly time while maintaining the functionality of the valve seat.
4Measurement precision
If conventional flow control devices use complex multi-component structures, then the device can achieve precise flow control, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated structures. The valve body incorporates the flow passage, valve seat, and check valve housing. The limiter mechanism is integrated with the valve stem and body. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and overall device weight while maintaining precise flow control capability through the needle valve mechanism.
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 device achieves a smaller size, reduced weight, and simplified assembly by integrating components, enhancing ease of assembly and airtightness, while allowing precise control of fluid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a flow control device, which is capable of controlling the flow rate of a fluid that flows between a pair of ports, by displacement of a rod having a valve member thereon along an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a check valve is used to ensure airtightness
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a flow control device. This flow control device (10) is provided with a first body (14) having a first port (12) through which pressure fluid is supplied, and a second body (18) which is installed on the first body (14). A valve mechanism (20) which controls the circulation state of the pressure fluid that circulates from the first port (12) to a second port (16) is provided inside this first body (14). Furthermore, a first connecting section (30) of the first body (14) is inserted into and engaged with the inside of a second connecting section (128) formed at the upper end of the second body (18), resulting in the first body (14) and the second body (18) being integrally connected together.