Petal Control Valve Spherical Pin Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current petal control valves for separable hose connection units face challenges in achieving accurate and reliable pivoting movements, which are essential for adjusting and replacing pins, while also preventing excessive pressure and spillage during abnormal situations like rough seas or excessive loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of spherical pins with threaded positioning necks and locking caps between laterally adjacent petals, allowing for precise pivoting and preventing displacement, combined with a braking system using viscous fluid to control closing speed and mitigate water hammer effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spherical pins with threaded positioning necks and locking caps are used between laterally adjacent petals, then the pivoting accuracy and reliability of petals is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical pins as the pivoting element between laterally adjacent petals. The spherical shape allows for smooth rotation and reliable pivoting motion while maintaining simplicity in the basic geometric form. This curved geometry resolves the contradiction by providing reliable pivoting through its inherent rotational capability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded positioning neck acts as an intermediary element that connects the spherical pin to the radial hole of the connection unit body. This intermediary component enables precise positioning and secure fixation of the spherical pin, thereby ensuring reliable pivoting while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a standard threaded connection mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If spherical pins with locking caps are used to prevent pin rotation and displacement, then the pivoting precision is improved, but the ease of operation for adjusting and replacing pins deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cap is pre-threaded onto the spherical pin before installation into the radial hole. This preliminary action ensures that when the pin is installed, the locking cap can immediately engage with the threaded positioning neck to prevent rotation and displacement. This pre-prepared locking mechanism achieves precise pivoting while maintaining ease of operation, as the locking cap can be quickly secured or removed without complex tools or procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid dynamic brakes are used to slow down closing speed of upstream valve, then water hammer effects are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluid dynamic brakes that utilize the hydraulic properties of the petroleum product itself to slow down the closing speed of the upstream valve petals. The fluid resistance generated during valve closure naturally dampens the closing motion, reducing water hammer effects. This approach resolves the contradiction by using the process fluid's own hydraulic characteristics for braking without requiring external mechanical braking devices, thus reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution ensures accurate and reliable pivoting of petals, effectively preventing excessive pressure and spillage, while managing water hammer to protect the control valve and connection unit, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of fluid product transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded positioning neck inserted and screwed into a respective radial hole of the body of the connection unit
Implementation Method 2
A locking cap screwed in turn into said radial hole and tightly abutting against said neck of the spherical pin for keeping the spherical pin in a suitable position
Implementation Method 3
a braking system using viscous fluid to control closing speed and mitigate water hammer effects
Data Source
AI summary
Control valve (5, 5′) for connection units for flexible hoses, comprising a plurality of petals (segments or sectors) (6, 7; 6′, 7′) rotatable between a position of complete opening and a position of complete closing. The aforesaid petals (6, 7; 6′, 7′) are rotatable around pivoting axes defined by spherical pins (70) interposed between laterally adjacent petals and provided with a threaded positioning neck (71) inserted and screwed in a respective radial hole (72) of the body (1, 2) of the connection unit. A locking cap (73) is screwed in said radial hole (72) and tightly abutting against said neck (71) of the spherical pin (70) for keeping said spherical pin (70) in a suitable position to enable a correct and precise pivoting between the two adjacent petals (6, 7; 6′, 7′).