Manual Valve Lever Return for High-Flow Sealing Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand valves used in cleaning applications, particularly in the food sector, face challenges in achieving high flow rates while ensuring comfortable operation and reliable sealing, especially during prolonged use and potential accidental openings due to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A hand valve design featuring a lever-like actuating element that pivots to open and close, with a valve element that seals against a valve seat, and a reset device that automatically closes the actuating element when not in use, reducing the need for external force and preventing accidental openings. This design includes a restoring device with a guide surface that reduces the force required to hold the valve open and a damping device for smooth closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a manual valve is designed to provide high flow rate for cleaning applications, then the flow capacity is improved, but the valve may become prone to accidental opening due to vibrations and requires more force to maintain closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring element that exerts a closing force on the valve element to counteract the opening force generated by fluid pressure and vibrations. This spring-based counterbalancing mechanism ensures the valve remains reliably closed during cleaning operations while allowing easy opening when actuated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a damping element that absorbs vibrations and shocks before they can cause accidental valve opening. This cushioning mechanism is positioned to dampen vibrations from the cleaning equipment, preventing them from transmitting enough force to open the valve unintentionally
2Ease of operation
If a manual valve requires external force to remain open during use, then the valve can maintain open position, but the operation becomes uncomfortable during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is configured to exert minimal force when the valve is in the open position, reducing the holding force the user must apply. The spring primarily provides closing force when the valve is closed or partially open, but becomes less restrictive when fully open, making prolonged operation comfortable
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system transitions from a static force requirement to a dynamic one, where the spring force varies with valve position. The damping element also provides position-dependent resistance, allowing smooth operation throughout the range of motion and reducing fatigue during extended use
3Reliability
If a valve element seals against a valve seat to ensure reliable closure, then the sealing is improved, but the valve requires more force to open from closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element features a conical sealing surface that tapers toward the valve seat, creating a progressive seal engagement. This geometric design allows the valve to seal reliably through gradual contact while reducing the sudden force spike required to break the seal during opening
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is positioned to cushion the valve element during its transition from closed to open position, absorbing the shock of breaking the seal. This reduces the peak force required to initiate opening while maintaining reliable sealing when closed
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 solution enables safe, reliable, and comfortable operation by reducing the manual force needed to maintain the valve open, preventing accidental openings, and ensuring secure closure, even during long-term use and potential vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring device (4, 6) having a guide surface (7), the guide surface (7) engaging at a contact point (K) on the actuating element (2), and the angle of inclination (W, W') of the guide surface (7) decreasing to a connecting line (V) between the pivot point (A) and the contact point (K), starting from the open position of the actuating element (2) in the opposite direction to the actuating direction (B)
Implementation Method 2
a damping device (22) for the actuating element (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a manual valve (1) for a fluid, in particular water, the manual valve (1) having an actuating element (2) which can be moved along an actuating direction (B) from a closed position to an open position, in particular about a pivot point (A ) pivotable, wherein a valve element (3) for opening the manual valve (1) along an opening direction (Ö) between a closed position of the valve element (3) corresponding to the closed position of the actuating element (2) and one corresponding to the open position of the actuating element (2). Release position of the valve element (3) is movable, in particular linearly displaceable, and wherein the manual valve (1) has a restoring device (4) which is designed to move the actuating element (2) in the opposite direction to the actuating direction (B) and/or the valve element ( 3) to move in the opposite direction to the opening direction (Ö). According to the invention, the restoring device (4) is designed to move the actuating element (2) beyond the closed position into an end position in the opposite direction to the actuating direction (B).