Modular Spool Valve Segmented Gasket Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular spool valve designs lack versatility and ease of maintenance due to complex assembly requirements and limited interchangeability of components, making them inefficient for various process control applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular spool valve comprising interchangeable valve body modules with mating surfaces, a main valve cavity, and cross valve communication ports, along with a gasket that selectively communicates between the main valve cavity and cross valve ports, allowing for flexible configuration and easy assembly/reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular valve body modules are used with interchangeable components, then versatility and ease of maintenance are improved, but assembly complexity and sealing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple interchangeable modules (first valve body module, second valve body module, third valve body module) that can be assembled in different configurations. Each module contains specific ports (input, common, exhaust) and can be combined to create different valve functionalities, enabling versatility while maintaining manageable assembly complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed as a universal sealing component that serves multiple functions: sealing between valve body modules, providing fluid communication pathways, and accommodating different port configurations. The gasket includes multiple openings (first opening, second opening, third opening) that can be configured to establish different fluid communication patterns, making it adaptable to various valve types.
2Ease of repair
If multiple gaskets with selective communication paths are used, then ease of maintenance and interchangeability are improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented with distinct openings (first opening, second opening, third opening) that correspond to different fluid pathways. Each opening can be independently configured or modified, allowing the gasket to be manufactured as a standardized component that simplifies maintenance while managing manufacturing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket design incorporates variable parameters such as opening positions, sizes, and configurations that can be adjusted during manufacturing to create different communication pathways. This allows a single gasket design to serve multiple valve configurations, improving ease of maintenance while controlling manufacturing complexity through parameter variation rather than complete redesign.
3Ease of operation
If interchangeable valve body modules are used, then ease of operation and configuration flexibility are improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into interchangeable body modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each module (first, second, third valve body modules) contains specific port configurations and can be swapped or reconfigured to change valve functionality, improving ease of operation while managing component complexity through standardized mating surfaces and interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves as a universal component that enables multiple configurations across different valve body module combinations. Its multiple openings and flexible sealing design allow it to function in various port arrangements, providing configuration flexibility while reducing overall device complexity by using a single standardized gasket design across multiple configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve comprising a plurality of interchangeable valve body modules, each module having a main valve cavity and a plurality of separate cross valve communication ports communicating; and at least one interchangeable gasket disposed between adjacent modules and configured to individually communicate the main valve cavity and the communication ports between adjacent valve body modules, wherein the gasket is further configured to selectively communicate between the main valve cavity and a selected one of the cross valve communication ports. In one embodiment, each valve body module further includes a passage communicating with the main valve cavity. In this case, the gasket may be configured to selectively communicate between the passage and the selected one of the cross valve communication ports, thereby selectively communicating between the main valve cavity and the selected one of the cross valve communication ports through the passage by selective orientation of the gasket.