Lever-Boosted Valve Assembly for Low-Force Large Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices face challenges in opening and closing large valves with small operating forces while maintaining a simple structure, as direct acting valve devices require large solenoids and high power consumption, and pilot-type valve devices have complex structures and delayed responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A valve device utilizing a mechanical booster mechanism based on the principle of 'lever' with a plate-like member having moment arms, a first pushing member, and a second pushing member, which allows for the opening and closing of large valves with a small operating force without the need for a pilot valve, and includes a check valve to reduce air intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct acting valve device uses a solenoid to open and close the valve, then the valve can be opened and closed directly, but the solenoid size increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pilot valve as an intermediary component that controls fluid pressure to actuate the main valve. Instead of using a large solenoid to directly move the main valve, a small solenoid controls the pilot valve, which then uses fluid pressure as a mediator to open and close the main valve, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable valve control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the pilot valve is integrated within the main valve assembly. The pilot valve mechanism is positioned inside or adjacent to the main valve body, allowing the smaller pilot valve to control the larger main valve through shared structural elements and fluid passages, creating a compact nested arrangement
2Force
If a pilot-type valve device is used to open and close a large valve with small operating force, then the operating force is reduced, but the structure becomes complicated and responsiveness is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pilot valve and main valve into a single integrated assembly with shared components. The pilot valve body and main valve body are connected through integrated fluid passages and mounting structures, merging two separate valve systems into one unified device that reduces overall complexity while maintaining the force multiplication benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed so that the same structural components serve multiple functions. For example, the valve body houses both the pilot valve and main valve passages, the seal elements serve both pilot and main functions, and the actuator mechanism controls both stages of valve operation, reducing the total number of parts needed
3Force
If a pilot-type valve device is used to open and close a large valve with small operating force, then the operating force is reduced, but the responsiveness is delayed due to two-stage operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve performs preliminary action by establishing fluid pressure control before the main valve opens. The pilot valve opens first to allow pressurized fluid to accumulate in the actuator chamber, preparing the force needed for main valve opening. This staged preparation ensures rapid main valve response once the pressure threshold is reached
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous fluid pressure action throughout the valve operation. The pilot valve maintains pressure control continuously, and the fluid pressure acts continuously on the main valve diaphragm or piston, eliminating dead zones or intermittent action that would delay responsiveness. The fluid medium transmits force continuously from the pilot stage to the main valve
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
Enables the opening and closing of large valves with a small operating force in a simple configuration, reducing power consumption and improving responsiveness, while maintaining stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plate-like member (50) including at least one moment arm (51) that extends in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the first pushing member (30), has a force point (P1) pushed by the first pushing member (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device includes an operating unit, a first pushing member, a plate-like member, a second pushing member, and a valve. The plate-like member includes a plurality of the moment arms arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction. A force point of each of the plurality of the moment arms is pushed by a front end of the first pushing member. The second pushing member has an acted surface receiving a force from an action point of each of the plurality of the moment arms. The plurality of the moment arms are integrally connected by an annular frame portion of the plate-like member where the fulcrum is disposed.