Multi-Outlet Valve for Dead-Space-Free Viscous Melt Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves are inadequate for handling highly viscous liquids and hot plastic liquid melts, as they fail to provide efficient flow control and are prone to stagnation and dead spaces, which is particularly problematic in cellulose solution processing that requires continuous flow and high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a shut-off element with a movable shut-off projection that can variably control outlet openings from 0 to 100% to prevent fluid stagnation, allowing for continuous regulation of fluid flow through multiple outlets, and is optimized for use with highly viscous liquids and melts, including cellulose solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional valves are used for highly viscous liquids and hot plastic liquid melts, then the valve structure is simple, but the fluid flow control is inefficient and stagnation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs a movable shut-off element that can dynamically adjust its position to control fluid flow. The shut-off element moves between different positions to either block or allow flow through the outlet opening, enabling efficient control of highly viscous liquids and preventing stagnation by ensuring complete flow path clearance when open.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the shut-off function from a traditional valve seat configuration and implements it through a dedicated shut-off element with a shut-off projection that selectively engages with the outlet opening. This separation allows the inlet opening to remain constantly open while the outlet is independently controlled, eliminating dead spaces and preventing stagnation.
2Measurement precision
If a shut-off element with movable shut-off projection is used to control outlet openings, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into distinct functional components: an inlet opening, multiple outlet openings, and a shut-off element with a specific shut-off projection. This segmentation allows independent control of the outlet openings while maintaining a simple, constant inlet path, achieving precise flow regulation without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off element serves multiple functions: it blocks the outlet opening when needed, allows complete flow when repositioned, and can be actuated by simple linear movement. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single movable component rather than multiple separate mechanisms, balancing control precision with structural simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If outlet openings are selectively shut off to prevent stagnation, then fluid flow continuity is improved, but the valve requires more complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet opening is designed to remain constantly open, ensuring continuous fluid supply to the cavity. The shut-off element controls only the outlet side, allowing the inlet flow path to maintain continuity without interruption. This separation ensures fluid flow continuity while preventing stagnation through selective outlet control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of controlling the inlet opening to prevent stagnation, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the inlet constantly open and controlling the outlet opening. This inversion simplifies the control mechanism because the shut-off element only needs to move in one direction to block or unblock the outlet, rather than coordinating inlet and outlet closures.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve having a valve housing and a shut-off element, the valve housing having a cavity for receiving the shut-off element, at least one inlet opening for a fluid to flow into the cavity and at least three outlet openings for the fluid to flow out of the cavity, the shut-off element having a guide body and being arranged in a movable manner at least partially in the cavity of the valve housing, the shut-off element having at least one shut-off projection for shutting off at least one of the outlet openings.