Pipe Valve Sealing Structure With Radial Expansion Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices face challenges in accurately sealing the inner wall of fluid pipes due to difficulties in deforming a sealing portion outward in the pipe radial direction, which can be influenced by insertion force and water pressure.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a first sealing member having a first sealing portion for the through-hole edge and a deformable second sealing portion for the pipe inner wall, supported by a support member and moved by a separate moving member to deform the second sealing portion outward in the radial direction, with a communicating channel that is closed by the moving member's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the valve body is inserted into the fluid pipe through the through-hole, then the valve body can be installed in the existing pipe, but it becomes difficult to deform the second sealing portion outward in the pipe radial direction due to insertion force and water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into multiple sealing portions (first sealing portion for through-hole edge, second sealing portion for pipe inner wall, third sealing portion for pipe bottom inner wall). Each sealing portion can deform independently to seal different surfaces, allowing the sealing function to be achieved without requiring the entire sealing member to deform under high insertion force and water pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealing portion is designed to deform in the pipe radial direction (outward expansion) rather than only in the insertion direction. This dimensional change allows the sealing portion to expand against the pipe inner wall perpendicular to the insertion force, enabling effective sealing despite the constraints of insertion and water pressure.
2Productivity
If force is applied in the insertion direction to advance the valve body, then the valve body can be installed, but it becomes difficult to deform the second sealing portion outward in the pipe radial direction for effective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is segmented into multiple functional portions that can deform independently. The second sealing portion specifically targets the pipe inner wall and can expand radially outward to ensure accurate sealing, while the overall installation process maintains high productivity through the single-insertion method.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing action occurs in a different dimension (radial expansion) than the installation direction (axial insertion). This allows the valve body to be installed quickly in the axial direction while the sealing portions simultaneously or subsequently deform in the radial direction to achieve precise sealing contact with the pipe inner wall.
3Reliability
If water pressure acts on the sealing portion, then fluid flow control is maintained, but the force required to deform the second sealing portion increases making deformation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into multiple sealing portions that can deform independently. Each sealing portion seals a specific surface (through-hole edge, pipe inner wall, pipe bottom), distributing the sealing function across multiple elements. This segmentation reduces the force required for each individual sealing portion compared to a single large sealing element, while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through the combined sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealing portion deforms in the radial direction perpendicular to the water pressure direction. By orienting the deformation direction differently from the water pressure direction, the sealing portion can expand outward to seal the pipe inner wall more effectively, utilizing the pressure differential to enhance sealing rather than directly opposing the full water pressure.
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
Enables effective sealing of the fluid pipe inner wall by allowing the second sealing portion to deform appropriately, maintaining fluid flow control without excessive force and preventing detachment under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a second sealing portion that is deformable in an expansion direction for sealing an inner wall of the fluid pipe... by the moving member moving relative to the support member in the insertion direction of the valve body, the moving member presses against the second sealing portion, thus causing the second sealing portion to deform in the expansion direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve body (3) of a valve device (1) has a first sealing member (5) has a first sealing portion (50) for sealing an edge of the through-hole (K1) and a second sealing portion (51) that is deformable in an expansion direction (D3); a support member (6) supports the first sealing member (5), and a moving member (8) is movable relative to the support member (6) in the insertion direction (D2) of the valve body (3). By the moving member (8) moving relative to the support member (6) in the insertion direction (D2) of the valve body (3), the moving member (8) presses against the second sealing portion (51), thus causing the second sealing portion (51) to deform in the expansion direction (D3), A communicating channel (53) that connects upstream and downstream of the valve body (3) is formed in the insertion direction (D2) of the valve body (3) within the first sealing member (5), The communicating channel (53) is closed by the moving member (8) moving relative to the support member (6 in the insertion direction (D2) of the valve body (3).