Internal Restrictor Flow Control Valve for Faster Pressure Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential pressure type flow rate control devices have a large dead volume due to the external restricted flow channel, leading to reduced responsiveness when adjusting the valve opening degree, resulting in slower pressure changes and flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate control valve with a restricted flow channel formed internally within the valve member, reducing the dead volume and allowing for quicker pressure changes and flow rate measurements by adjusting the separation distance between seat surfaces, and optionally using a fitting member made of ceramics to form the restricted channel without altering the conventional structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a restricted flow channel is formed in the middle of an external flow channel, then the flow rate can be controlled, but the flow channel length and dead volume increase, reducing responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the restricted flow channel formation with the valve member structure itself. The restricted flow channel is formed by the valve member's own geometry (the gap between the valve member and valve seat), eliminating the need for separate external flow channels and restrictors. This integration reduces the overall flow path length and minimizes dead volume, thereby improving responsiveness while maintaining flow rate control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional external flow channel approach to a three-dimensional internal flow channel approach. By forming the restricted flow channel within the valve member's internal structure (through the gap between moving and stationary surfaces), the patent creates a compact flow path that reduces the distance fluid must travel, thus decreasing dead volume and improving response time without sacrificing control precision.
2Productivity
If the valve opening degree is changed to reduce flow rate, then flow rate control is achieved, but pressure change time increases due to large dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow restriction function with the valve member structure, eliminating separate external flow channels. This integration minimizes the volume of fluid that needs to be pressurized or depressurized during valve operation, reducing the time required for pressure changes while maintaining full flow rate adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow channel by forming it within the valve member's internal structure rather than using external channels. This parameter change (reducing channel length and cross-sectional area) directly reduces dead volume, allowing faster pressure response times while preserving the ability to adjust flow rate through valve opening degree changes.
3Measurement precision
If an external restricted flow channel is used, then flow rate measurement is possible, but the flow channel volume becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function into the valve member's internal structure. The restricted flow channel is formed by the valve member and valve seat interface, creating a compact flow path that maintains sufficient pressure differential for accurate flow rate measurement while minimizing the overall flow channel volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the restricted flow channel from an external one-dimensional path to an internal three-dimensional structure within the valve member. This dimensional transition creates a compact flow path that reduces the volume required for flow rate measurement while maintaining the pressure differential necessary for accurate measurement.
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 configuration enhances the responsiveness of flow rate control by allowing faster pressure changes and measurements after valve opening degree changes, while also simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs by forming the restricted flow channel within the valve member or using a ceramic fitting member.
Implementation Method 1
a restricted flow channel is formed in the internal flow channel so that a differential pressure is generated between an upstream side and a downstream side of the restricted flow channel
Implementation Method 2
measure the flow rate of the fluid flowing out from the flow rate control valve based on the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the restricted flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a flow rate control valve that can improve responsiveness of flow rate control of a pressure differential type of a flow rate control device. The flow rate control valve is so configured to comprise a pair of valve members each of which has a seat surface being in contact with each other, to provide an internal flow channel that opens toward the seat surfaces and that passes through the inside of at least one of the valve members, and to control a flow rate of a fluid flowing out through the internal flow channel to the outside by adjusting a separation distance between the seat surfaces. And a restricted flow channel is formed in the internal flow channel so that a differential pressure is generated between an upstream side and a downstream side of the restricted flow channel.