Pivot-Arm Shutter Valve for Progressive Flow and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves lack the ability to regulate fluid flow effectively, leading to issues such as steep pressure drops, cavitation, leakage, and contamination, especially in pressurized systems and foodstuff applications, due to their inability to seal properly and the presence of cavities that trap substances.
Innovation Solution
A shutter valve design featuring an actuator ring with pivot arms and obturator elements that adjust the aperture size to control fluid flow, ensuring secure sealing and minimizing cavities, allowing for progressive closure to prevent pressure drops and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are used to stop fluid flow, then the valve can be turned to the off position, but this results in a steep pressure drop which causes shockwave and cavitation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve transitions from static on/off positions to dynamic multi-position control, allowing progressive closure that regulates fluid flow and pressure gradually, preventing shockwaves and cavitation
Solution Approach 2:
The valve changes the parameter of fluid flow control from binary (open/closed) to continuous regulation, enabling pressure management that avoids extreme pressure drops
2Reliability
If conventional valves are used in pressurized systems, then they can control fluid flow, but they lack the ability to remain securely sealed causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple sealing surfaces and sealing elements distributed around the valve body, providing redundant sealing paths that ensure secure sealing in pressurized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates enhanced sealing features at critical locations, such as improved sealing surfaces and sealing elements positioned where pressure differentials are highest
3Productivity
If obturator elements remain within the lumen of the flow, then they can control flow, but they interrupt fluid flow and create disruption that produces cavitation
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator elements are extracted from the central flow path and repositioned to seal at the periphery, allowing fluid to flow through the center unobstructed while still achieving flow control and sealing
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional valves include cavities and pockets, then they can be designed with complex internal structures, but these cavities are flooded with fluids that can rot or decay causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Cavities and pockets that trap fluid are eliminated or extracted from the valve design, creating a cleaner internal structure that prevents fluid accumulation and potential contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The design discards complex internal cavities in favor of simpler structures that are easier to clean and maintain, particularly for foodstuff applications
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional valves include cavities and pockets, then they can be designed with complex internal structures, but the presence of cavities makes it difficult to clean the valve
Solution Approach 1:
Cavities and pockets that trap fluid are eliminated or extracted from the valve design, creating a cleaner internal structure that prevents fluid accumulation and potential contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The design discards complex internal cavities in favor of simpler structures that are easier to clean and maintain, particularly for foodstuff applications
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A shutter valve for regulating pressure and controlling fluid flow comprising: an actuator ring comprising a plurality of gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; a plurality of arm pin bosses, each pin boss affixed within an inside circumference of the actuator ring, each arm pin boss further comprising a hinge pin aperture; three or more pivot arms, each pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the first end forming a hinge and mounted to a hinge pin aperture of an arm pin boss; three or more obturator elements; and a housing defining a cavity for holding the actuator ring, the pivot arms and the obturator elements.