Partial-Spherical Shut-Off Valve for Low-Turbulence Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shutoff valves, particularly ball valves, experience turbulence and mechanical stress when partially opened or closed, and diaphragm and pinch valves are bulky and slow for fast operations.
Innovation Solution
A partially spherical blocking component with a rotatable outer surface extending 270 degrees or less, combined with an inlet and outlet seat design that minimizes turbulence and mechanical stress, allowing smooth fluid flow in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional ball valve is used, then ease of operation is achieved, but turbulence and mechanical stress are generated when partially open/closed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking component uses a partial spherical outer surface (270 degrees or less) that maintains smooth curved flow paths when partially open, eliminating the sharp edges and protrusions of conventional ball valves that cause turbulence. The spherical geometry allows gradual flow transition without mechanical stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet seat and outlet seat are positioned to overlap with the blocking component along the flow path, creating localized smooth sealing surfaces. The inner surface of the inlet seat is aligned with the body upstream portion, ensuring continuous smooth flow without abrupt transitions, while the seats provide sealing only where needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diaphragm valves or pinch valves are used for throttle control, then flow control capability is improved, but the valves become bulky and slow for fast operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex actuation mechanisms of diaphragm valves and pinch valves with a simple rotatable blocking component. The spherical geometry allows rapid rotation-based control without bulky actuators, achieving both fast operation and effective throttle control through geometric design rather than complex mechanical systems.
3Reliability
If a conventional ball valve is used, then shut-off function is achieved, but the spherical actuator generates high turbulence in partially open positions
Solution Approach 1:
The partial spherical outer surface of the blocking component maintains smooth curved flow paths when partially open, eliminating the sharp edges and protrusions of conventional ball valves that cause turbulence. The spherical geometry allows gradual flow transition without mechanical stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the blocking component by limiting the spherical surface to 270 degrees or less, optimizing the balance between shut-off capability and flow characteristics. This parameter optimization reduces turbulence while maintaining effective sealing when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow component including a body having a flow path therein, and a blocking component movable between a closed position where the blocking component blocks a flow of fluid through the flow path, and an open position where the blocking component does not block the flow of fluid through the flow path. The blocking component is rotatable about a center axis and includes a partial spherical outer surface that extends 270 degrees or less relative to the center axis. The component further includes an inlet seat that at least partially overlaps with the blocking component along a length of the flow path. An inner surface of the inlet seat is aligned with a portion of the body located immediately upstream of the inlet seat.