Integrated Valve Pressure Sensing Without External Measuring Nipples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems face challenges in accurately measuring differential pressure across valves, often requiring cumbersome external measuring nipples that increase material usage and risk of leakage.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a differential pressure sensor into the valve body, eliminating the need for external measuring nipples by providing direct pressurized communication paths within the valve, reducing physical distance from the main fluid flow and minimizing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional valves with separate body and bonnet are used, then assembly and disassembly require multiple steps and specialized tools, but the patent integrates body and bonnet into a single piece to enable tool-free operation by the end user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body and bonnet into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate assembly and disassembly of these parts. This allows the end user to perform maintenance without specialized tools or expertise, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional valve designs are used, then maintenance requires draining the entire system and specialized tools, but the patent enables isolated maintenance of individual valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates isolation valves upstream and downstream of each maintenance valve, allowing the system to be segmented into independent sections. This enables maintenance of individual valves without draining the entire system, reducing both maintenance time and system downtime while improving overall productivity.
3Reliability
If traditional valve installation methods are used, then incorrect installation can occur without immediate detection, but the patent includes flow direction indicators and position indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flow direction indicators and position indicators that provide visual feedback to users. These indicators use color changes or visual cues to clearly show correct installation orientation and valve position, ensuring installation correctness while adding minimal complexity through straightforward visual elements.
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
This solution enables precise differential pressure measurement without external nipples, reducing material requirements and leakage risks, while maintaining close proximity to the fluid flow for accurate readings.
Implementation Method 1
a differential pressure sensor for measuring the differential pressure over the closing arrangement, between the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a valve for controlling fluid flow. The valve comprises a valve body, a chamber arranged inside of the valve body, a fluid inlet for providing fluid to the chamber, and a fluid outlet for receiving fluid from the chamber. The valve further comprises a closing arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet via the chamber, and a differential pressure sensor for measuring the differential pressure over the closing arrangement, between an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure. The differential pressure sensor is integrated in the valve body, and is arranged to measure the differential pressure for at least an open state of the closing arrangement.