Triple-Offset Valve Structure for Unobstructed High-Coefficient Flow

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional valves experience a pressure drop and reduced flow coefficient due to the obstruction caused by the disc and shaft in the flow path, even when fully open, limiting their maximum achievable flow.

Innovation Solution

A triple-offset valve design with a stem and disc configuration that maintains the flow path unobstructed by positioning the stem portions on opposite sides of the flow passageways, allowing the disc to move into a belly pocket when open, and utilizing a seat ring with a locator for precise positioning and easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a disc and shaft are positioned in the center of the valve flow path to regulate flow, then the valve can effectively control flow rate, but the obstruction to flow causes pressure drop and reduces the maximum achievable flow coefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow coefficientVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is extracted from the central flow path and repositioned to the periphery, eliminating its obstruction to flow. The disc remains centrally positioned for flow regulation but without the shaft passing through the flow path, thus removing the source of pressure drop while maintaining flow control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft is moved from a central axial position to a peripheral radial position, changing its spatial dimension relative to the flow path. This dimensional repositioning allows the shaft to support the disc without obstructing the primary flow direction, thereby increasing flow coefficient and reducing pressure drop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the shaft passes through the center of the valve to rotate the disc, then the disc can be positioned correctly in the flow path, but the shaft and disc assembly obstructs the flow path even when fully open

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisc positioningVSAvoidflow coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is extracted from the central flow path and repositioned to the periphery, eliminating its obstruction to flow. The disc remains centrally positioned for flow regulation but without the shaft passing through the flow path, thus removing the source of pressure drop while maintaining flow control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A bearing assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism, supporting the disc at its center without requiring the shaft to pass through the flow path. The bearing allows the disc to rotate and position correctly while the shaft remains peripheral, thus maintaining ease of operation without obstructing flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional valve designs are used with disc and shaft in the flow path, then the valve structure is simple, but the flow coefficient is limited and maintenance is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structureVSAvoidflow coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is segmented into modular components including a removable seat ring, disc assembly, and peripheral shaft configuration. This segmentation allows for improved flow path design where the shaft does not obstruct flow, while also enabling easier maintenance through removable components without significantly increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft is moved from a central axial position to a peripheral radial position, changing its spatial dimension relative to the flow path. This dimensional repositioning allows the shaft to support the disc without obstructing the primary flow direction, thereby increasing flow coefficient and reducing pressure drop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11519509B2Valve with unobstructed flow path having increased flow coefficient

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 CRANE CHEMPHARMA & ENERGY CORP

AI summary

A valve comprising a valve body including a first end and a second end spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, a central portion disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end define a first flow passageway and a second flow passageway, respectively, and wherein the central portion defines an interior chamber, a stem rotatably supported by the valve body about a rotation axis, wherein the stem includes a polygonal end, and a disc disposed within the interior chamber and including a polygonal aperture to receive the polygonal end of the stem.