Multi-dump Metering Valve Segmented Outer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical valves for aerial firefighting buckets face challenges such as high power consumption, weight, and turbulent flow due to resistance from hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces, which increase the complexity and cost of the system and reduce efficiency in water delivery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dump metering valve with an outer assembly having a reduced surface area, utilizing improved annular seal members and eliminating spacer arms and guide posts, is designed to minimize the load required to actuate the valve, with a biased mechanism to facilitate easier opening and a smaller actuator motor, reducing power demand and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flapper valve is used to control water flow, then the valve can be simple in structure, but significant hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces resist the hinging of the flapper member, requiring a powerful motor and increasing weight and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into an inner assembly (base plate, outlet, hinge mechanism) and an outer assembly (movable wall with seal members). The outer assembly is segmented into portions with different surface areas - a first portion with reduced surface area perpendicular to movement direction and a second portion with larger surface area. This segmentation allows the valve to maintain structural simplicity while reducing hydrodynamic resistance on the moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the outer assembly have different surface area characteristics. The first portion has reduced surface area perpendicular to the direction of movement to minimize hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces, while the second portion has larger surface area to maintain sealing effectiveness. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and power consumption.
2Reliability
If a flapper valve with large surface area is used, then sealing may be improved, but hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces increase, requiring more powerful actuation hardware and increasing weight
Solution Approach 1:
The outer assembly is segmented into a first portion with reduced surface area perpendicular to movement (minimizing hydrodynamic forces) and a second portion with larger surface area (maintaining sealing). This segmentation allows the valve to achieve reliable sealing without requiring heavy actuator hardware to overcome excessive hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer assembly has non-uniform surface area distribution - the first portion has reduced surface area to minimize forces, while the second portion has larger surface area for sealing. This local quality approach maintains sealing effectiveness while reducing the weight of actuator hardware needed.
3Productivity
If a butterfly valve is used for metering, then flow control is possible, but the valve causes lateral dispersal of water and may be difficult to seal with plates located inside and outside the bucket
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a rotating butterfly valve that causes lateral dispersal, the invention uses a linearly moving outer assembly that opens and closes in a direction perpendicular to the flow. This inverted approach (linear movement vs. rotational movement) eliminates lateral water dispersal while maintaining flow control capability through the reduced surface area design.
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 significantly reduces the load required to open the valve, allowing for a smaller actuator motor and hardware, lowering power consumption, weight, and simplifying the control system, while improving serviceability and reducing turbulence for more efficient water delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an outer assembly of the valve is biased toward the open position of the valve, which further reduces the load required to open the valve
Implementation Method 2
the outer assembly is moveable between open and closed positions, and the outer assembly has a reduced surface area on those surfaces which are disposed normally to a direction of movement. The outer assembly is thereby adapted to be less affected by hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces directed so as to oppose its movement
Implementation Method 3
the outer assembly is thereby adapted to be less affected by hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces directed so as to oppose its movement
Implementation Method 4
improved annular seal members that present a reduced surface area disposed normally to a direction of movement
Data Source
AI summary
Valves having an inner assembly comprising: a base plate spaced apart from a top plate to define therebetween an open side, the base plate defining an outlet; an outer assembly comprising solid side walls and being movable relative to the inner assembly between open and closed positions, an upper portion of the solid side walls seal with the top plate only when the outer assembly is in the closed position, a lower portion of the solid side walls seal with the base plate only when the outer assembly is in the closed position, wherein the open position allows flow through the valve via the open side portion and the outlet of the outer assembly; and an actuator mounted to the inner assembly and connected to the outer assembly to move the outer assembly between the open and closed positions in response to electrical control signals.