Multi-Flapper Check Valve Reducing Impact Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves with hinged flappers suffer from high reaction time due to large, massive flapper elements, which result in significant impact forces and reduced efficiency in fluid flow directionality, especially in applications like aircraft air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design featuring pivotally mounted flapper elements with a modified arrangement, including a second edge sealing region that engages adjacent flapper elements at an acute angle, reducing mass and distributing impact forces, and an inclined ramp surface for low friction and wear resistance, allowing for efficient fluid flow and sealing without additional stop elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large, massive flapper elements are used to ensure adequate sealing surface area, then sealing capability is improved, but reaction time increases and impact forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple flapper elements (typically three) that pivot independently about vertical axes. Each flapper is smaller and lighter than a single large flapper, reducing mass and reaction time while collectively providing adequate sealing surface area when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The flappers are arranged radially around a central axis with pivot axes oriented vertically (perpendicular to the valve seat), creating a three-dimensional sealing arrangement. This dimensional configuration allows smaller individual flappers to collectively cover the same sealing area as a single large flapper
2Reliability
If large, massive flapper elements are used to ensure adequate sealing surface area, then sealing capability is improved, but impact forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple flapper elements (typically three) that pivot independently about vertical axes. Each flapper is smaller and lighter than a single large flapper, reducing mass and reaction time while collectively providing adequate sealing surface area when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined ramp surface acts as a counterweight mechanism, using the weight and motion of closing flappers to assist in opening opposing flappers. This distributes and reduces the impact forces experienced by individual flappers and the valve body
3Ease of operation
If additional stop elements are added to restrict flapper movement, then maximum opening angle is controlled, but device complexity and impact forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each flapper element serves a dual function: it seals against the valve seat when closed and simultaneously acts as a stop for adjacent flappers when open. The inclined ramp surface allows flappers to automatically limit each other's opening angle without external stop elements
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surface and stop function are merged into a single structural feature - the inclined ramp surface. This eliminates the need for separate stop pins or bumpers, reducing device complexity while maintaining control over maximum opening angle
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 design reduces the mass and impact forces of flapper elements, enhances sealing efficiency, and prolongs valve life by distributing forces, resulting in a more compact and efficient check valve with improved fluid flow directionality and reduced pressure drop.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flapper elements pivotally mounted to the valve body about respective vertical axes for rotation between an open position in which the flapper elements permit flow of fluid through the opening
Implementation Method 2
The inclined ramp surface may be provided with a low friction and/or wear resistant coating
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A check valve (10) comprises a valve housing (2) defining an opening (6). A valve housing sealing surface (16) surrounds the opening (6). The valve further comprises a plurality of flapper elements (8). Each flapper element (8) is pivotally mounted to the valve housing (4) about a respective axis (10) transverse to the opening (6) for rotation between an open position in which the flapper elements (8) permit flow of fluid through the opening (6) and a closed position in which they block the flow of fluid through the opening (6). Each flapper element (8) comprises a first side (28) facing the valve housing sealing surface (16) in the closed position, a second side (30), opposed to the first side (28) and facing away from the valve housing sealing surface (16) in the closed position, a base end (32), the flapper element (8) being mounted to the valve housing (4) at its base end (32), a first edge region (34a) extending away from the base end (32) for sealing engagement with the valve housing sealing surface (16) in the closed position of the flapper element (8) and a second edge region (36a) extending away from the base end (32) for sealing engagement with the base end (32) of an adjacent flapper element (8) in the closed position of the flapper element (8). An edge (36) of the second edge region (36a) of the flapper element (8) engages with the second side (30) of an adjacent flapper element (8) when the flapper elements (8) are in the open position.