Multi-Piece Sleeve Valve Assembly for High Pressure Differentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spool and sleeve valves face challenges with structural sizing and tensile strength due to small axial connections in multi-piece spool designs, limiting the pressure differential they can handle.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly featuring a multi-piece seal carrier with axially extending tabs and a single, monolithic spool section, where the seal carrier extends circumferentially around the piston and includes a face seal to manage pressure differentials and fluid communication, allowing for a one-piece spool construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-piece spool design with small axial connections is used, then the valve can handle complex schematic requirements, but the tensile strength of the axial connection limits the pressure differential the valve can handle
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is divided into multiple pieces (first spool piece, second spool piece, third spool piece) with axial connections between them. This segmentation allows the valve to meet complex schematic requirements while maintaining structural integrity through carefully designed connection areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial connection area between spool pieces is designed with enhanced local quality - specifically, the connection area is made larger than the necked-down sections, and fasteners are positioned to optimize load distribution. This local reinforcement ensures the connection can withstand the pressure differential without failing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spool necks down to small diameters, then the valve can meet schematic requirements, but it becomes challenging for structural sizing and connection strength
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is segmented into multiple pieces that can be assembled together, allowing the necked-down sections to maintain small diameters for schematic compliance while the connection areas between pieces provide the necessary structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-dimensional concern (spool diameter) to multi-dimensional design by adding axial connections between spool pieces. The connection areas extend in the axial dimension, providing structural strength without increasing the radial diameter of the necked-down sections.
3Strength
If a one-piece spool construction is used, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly becomes more difficult in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is segmented into multiple pieces that can be assembled separately in tight spaces, then joined together to achieve the structural integrity of a one-piece construction. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Fasteners serve as intermediaries that join the spool pieces together. These fasteners enable the assembly of multiple pieces into a unified structure with high structural integrity, bridging the gap between segmented construction and one-piece strength.
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
This design enhances the structural integrity and ease of assembly by eliminating the need for fasteners in tight spaces, improving the valve's ability to handle pressure differentials and ensuring reliable fluid communication.
Implementation Method 1
a first port radially extending therethrough for fluid communication of a control fluid to act on an outer face of the first piston end
Implementation Method 2
a second port radially extending therethrough for fluid communication of a control fluid to act on an outer face of the second piston end
Implementation Method 3
a third port radially extending therethrough for fluid communication of a control fluid into a volume with the spool section between the first and second piston ends
Implementation Method 4
A face seal can be seated in the seal carrier, sealing between seal carrier and second sleeve
Implementation Method 5
A radial seal around the second sleeve can be included to seal against the second sleeve and against the housing to stop flow between circumferential gaps between pieces of the seal carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly includes a first sleeve defining a piston bore therein. A second sleeve defines a piston bore therein. The piston bore of the first sleeve and the piston bore of the second sleeve are axially aligned. A piston is slidingly engaged in the piston bores of the first and second sleeves. A seal carrier with a plurality of pieces is axially between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The plurality of pieces of the multi-piece seal carrier are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.