Plastic Angle Valve Elastomeric Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic angle valves face challenges in achieving a liquid-tight seal, particularly in the shut-off position, due to issues with sealing against the valve main body, leading to slight droplet-like flow of liquids into the outlet channel.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an elastomeric elevation that protrudes radially outward, completely surrounding the opening edge of the outlet channel in the blocking position, and is designed to rotate over the edge without contacting it, reducing mechanical load and friction, and utilizing a combination of plastic and elastomer materials for a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for both the valve body and shut-off, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to droplet-like liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining plastic (for the valve body and shut-off) with elastomer (for the sealing elevation). The elastomeric material is integrated into the shut-off component, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials: plastic provides manufacturing simplicity and chemical resistance, while elastomer provides superior sealing properties and flexibility to prevent droplet-like liquid flow.
2Reliability
If the elastomeric elevation is positioned close to the outlet channel opening edge, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but mechanical damage risk increases due to contact with sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by introducing a third dimension - the radially inward offset distance. Instead of positioning the elastomeric elevation directly at the opening edge (zero offset), it is positioned at a specific radial distance inward from the edge. This dimensional adjustment allows the elevation to maintain sealing contact with the valve body while being cleared of the damaging sharp edge, thus balancing sealing effectiveness with mechanical durability.
3Reliability
If the elastomeric elevation contacts the opening edge during rotation, then sealing contact is ensured, but friction and torque increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radially inward offset acts as an intermediary spatial buffer between the elastomeric elevation and the sharp opening edge. During rotation, this offset allows the elevation to sweep past the edge without direct contact, eliminating the source of high friction. The sealing function is maintained through contact with the valve body sealing surface, while the opening edge serves only as a reference position rather than a contact point, significantly reducing operational torque.
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 provides a reliable watertight seal, reduces mechanical load and torque, and simplifies the design and assembly of the valve, ensuring effective sealing and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
the seal has an elastomeric elevation extending radially outwards... which rests against the main valve body in a sealing manner
Implementation Method 2
the elevation is also arranged at a distance radially inward from the opening edge of the outlet channel... This is not possible in the prior art since the elastomer is very easily damaged at the sharp-edged transition... friction and thus the necessary torque can also be reduced
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic angle valve (1) having a main valve body (2) with an inlet channel (21) and an outlet channel (22), which are arranged at a right angle to one another and feed into an inner receptacle (4) having a barrier (3) which is mounted such that it can rotate about a rotational axis (d) perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the outlet channel (22), and which is sealed against the main valve body (2) by means of a seal (5). In an open position, the barrier (3) connects the two channels (21, 22) to one another and separates same from one another in a blocking position. The seal (5) has a radially outwardly protruding elastomer elevation (51) which, in the blocking position, contacts the opening edge (23) of the outlet channel (22) feeding into the receptacle (4) against the main valve body (2) in a circumferentially surrounding sealing manner. In addition, with the rotation of the barrier (3), the elastomer elevation (51) can be guided radially inwardly at a distance to the opening edge (23) of the outlet channel (22) via same.