Internally Actuated Piston Valve for Compact Sealed Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs face challenges in achieving a compact size without compromising flow capacity, pressure rating, or valve actuation force, and often struggle with sealing integrity around external actuators, which can lead to complexity and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The valve apparatus features an internal actuator assembly with a piston bore and piston member that engages with the valve member, allowing fluid pressure to move the valve member within the valve body, eliminating the need for external actuators and enhancing sealing integrity, while providing a compact design with reduced complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an external actuator is used to operate the valve member, then the valve can achieve sufficient actuation force, but the sealing integrity becomes difficult to maintain and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is merged with the valve body by positioning it internally within the valve body rather than externally. The piston bore and piston member are integrated into the valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate external actuator components and their associated sealing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is nested within the valve body, with the piston bore and piston member contained inside the valve body's internal volume. This nesting arrangement allows the actuator to be housed within the existing valve structure without requiring additional external space.
2Force
If an external actuator is used to operate the valve member, then the valve can achieve sufficient actuation force, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is merged with the valve body by positioning it internally within the valve body rather than externally. The piston bore and piston member are integrated into the valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate external actuator components and their associated sealing interfaces.
3Force
If an external actuator is used to operate the valve member, then the valve can achieve sufficient actuation force, but the overall valve size and space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is nested within the valve body, with the piston bore and piston member contained inside the valve body's internal volume. This nesting arrangement allows the actuator to be housed within the existing valve structure without requiring additional external space.
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 configuration minimizes external actuator complexity, saves space, and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, while maintaining high flow capacity and pressure rating, and ensures reliable sealing and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the valve member is moveable in accordance with fluid pressure within the piston chamber to selectively occlude the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus comprises a valve body defining a flow path therethrough, a valve member mounted within the valve body, and an actuator assembly mounted internally within the valve body. The actuator assembly comprises a piston bore and piston member defining a piston chamber therebetween, wherein at least one of the piston bore and piston member is engaged or associated with the valve member such that the valve member is moveable in accordance with fluid pressure within the piston chamber to selectively occlude the flow path.