Multi-port Valve Sealing Plate Support Ring Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way valves face issues with reliable sealing due to deformation of the sealing plate under high fluid pressure, leading to potential leakage, and existing support measures either increase production costs or limit the valve's variability.
Innovation Solution
An annular support ring with a block-shaped cross-section is used to stabilize the sealing plate, preventing radial expansion and ensuring reliable sealing by forming a cohesive unit that moves uniformly with the valve member, allowing both axial end faces to function as sealing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing plate is made elastically deformable to ensure sealing contact with the valve seat, then sealing reliability is improved, but the sealing plate deforms under high fluid pressure causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing plate is divided into two functional zones: a rigid peripheral region that maintains shape stability and resists pressure-induced deformation, and a softer central region that can deform to ensure sealing contact with the valve seat. This segmentation allows the sealing plate to simultaneously maintain structural integrity under pressure while providing reliable sealing contact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical support elements are added to prevent sealing plate deformation, then shape stability is improved, but production costs increase and mounting options are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged directly into the sealing plate structure itself through the radially outwardly projecting peripheral region. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate support elements, maintaining shape stability while avoiding increased production costs and complex mounting procedures. The peripheral region acts as both a structural support and a sealing surface.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing plate is mechanically supported from the rear face, then shape stability is improved, but both axial end faces cannot be used as sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing support from the rear axial face (one-dimensional support), the invention provides support from the radial periphery (radial dimension). The radially outwardly projecting peripheral region extends in the radial direction and provides structural support while leaving both axial end faces completely free to function as sealing surfaces. This dimensional shift in support strategy preserves full sealing surface versatility.
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 support ring maintains the sealing plate's shape and prevents deformation, ensuring a reliable sealing contact with the valve seat, even under high pressure, while allowing for increased variability in the valve's construction and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing plate (24) made of an elastically deformable material, in particular an elastomeric material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A multi-way valve (1) is proposed, comprising a valve element (4) movable in a valve chamber (2) of a valve housing (3). The valve element (4) has a main body (23) and an elastically deformable sealing disc (24) fixed to it. The sealing disc (24) cooperates axially with at least one annular valve seat (15, 16) opposite it, arranged on the valve housing (3). To prevent excessive deformation of the sealing disc (24) due to fluid forces acting upon it during its contact with a valve seat (15, 16), it is enclosed on its radial outer circumferential surface (38) by a support ring (42) fixed exclusively to the sealing disc (24).