Triple-Offset Valve Structure for Clear Flow Path and Higher Cv
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves with a disc and shaft configuration obstruct the flow path, leading to reduced maximum achievable flow coefficient (Cv), especially in high-pressure systems, due to the presence of the disc and shaft along the valve flow centerline.
Innovation Solution
A triple-offset valve design with a disc that rotates between open and closed positions, featuring a stem supported by the valve body on opposite sides and a non-integral seat ring that allows for unobstructed flow paths, maximizing the flow coefficient by ensuring the disc and shaft do not obstruct the flow when open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disc and shaft are positioned along the valve flow centerline to enable valve operation, then the valve can be operated between open and closed positions, but the flow path is obstructed and the flow coefficient (Cv) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the disc and shaft assembly from the central flow path (one dimension) to an offset position (another dimension), allowing the valve to operate while maintaining an unobstructed flow path. The triple-offset configuration positions the disc rotation axis away from the flow centerline, eliminating the trade-off between operability and flow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the disc and shaft assembly from the flow path by implementing an offset configuration. The stem and disc are positioned such that they do not protrude into the flow path when the valve is in the open position, effectively removing the obstruction while preserving the valve's operational capability
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional disc and shaft configuration is used, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow path is obstructed leading to pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from a centered configuration to a triple-offset configuration, the patent relocates the mechanical components to a different spatial dimension that does not interfere with the flow path, thereby eliminating pressure drop while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized offset valve body designs
3Ease of operation
If the disc is positioned in the flow path to control flow, then the valve can regulate flow rate, but the maximum achievable flow coefficient is reduced even when full open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a triple-offset configuration that positions the disc rotation axis in three-dimensional space away from the flow centerline. This allows the disc to rotate for flow regulation while its edges seal against an offset seat, maintaining a clear flow path even when fully open and achieving a flow coefficient comparable to the pipe diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is segmented into distinct functional zones: the flow path remains clear and unobstructed, while the sealing function is achieved through offset disc edges contacting the seat ring. This segmentation allows flow regulation capability while eliminating flow path obstruction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A valve (2) comprising a valve body (4) including a first end (8) and a second end (10) spaced apart along a longitudinal axis (12), a central portion (6) disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end define a first flow passageway (26) and a second flow passageway (28), respectively, and wherein die central portion defines an interior chamber (32), a stem (66) rotatably supported by the valve body about a rotation axis (68), wherein the stem includes a polygonal end (67), and a disc (54) disposed within the interior chamber and including a polygonal aperture to receive the polygonal end of the stem.