Plastic Valve Compensation Element for Thermal Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control valves are cumbersome, costly, and prone to malfunction due to inefficient cooperation between shut-off means and valve seats, particularly in low-temperature conditions, and are not optimized for compact and efficient production.
Innovation Solution
A valve with a plastic body and integrated compensation element made of elastomeric material, featuring a tubular portion with controlled thickness to minimize shrinkage, and a compensation element that can deform to accommodate volume changes, ensuring precise seat cooperation and preventing structural damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve is used to control fluid flow in a medical device, then fluid flow control is achieved, but bacteria can adhere to the valve surface and form biofilms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies antimicrobial agents to the valve surface to convert the harmful effect of bacteria adhesion into a beneficial antimicrobial action. The valve surface is treated with antimicrobial substances that actively prevent or eliminate bacterial growth, transforming the problem of bacteria adhesion into a controlled antimicrobial environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the valve by changing its chemical composition or physical structure to reduce bacterial adhesion. This may involve altering surface energy, roughness, or charge characteristics to make the surface less favorable for bacterial attachment while maintaining fluid flow control functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for the valve, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the valve surface promotes bacterial adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the valve construction, combining conventional structural materials with antimicrobial surface layers or coatings. This allows the valve to maintain ease of manufacture with standard materials while incorporating antimicrobial properties through surface treatments, coatings, or composite structures that prevent bacterial adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical or physical parameters of conventional valve materials to achieve antimicrobial properties. This may involve surface treatment processes, chemical modifications, or parameter adjustments during manufacturing that maintain compatibility with conventional fabrication methods while reducing bacterial adhesion.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production is easier, but the valve may not effectively prevent biofilm formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates antimicrobial agents directly into the valve structure or surface, transforming the simple valve design into an actively protective structure. The antimicrobial components are integrated in a way that does not significantly complicate manufacturing, converting the basic valve structure into a biofilm-preventing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the valve to perform multiple functions: fluid flow control and antimicrobial protection. By integrating antimicrobial properties into the valve structure itself, the valve becomes a multi-functional component that maintains simplicity in manufacturing while achieving reliable biofilm prevention through its dual functionality.
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
The solution provides a compact, efficient, and cost-effective valve that prevents structural damage and malfunctions by effectively managing pressure and volume changes, ensuring reliable fluid control.
Implementation Method 1
Valves are sensitive to changes in temperature. A change in temperature causes the valve components to expand or contract. This can lead to a change in the valve opening, resulting in an unwanted change in the valve characteristic
Implementation Method 2
The invention specifies that the compensation element is designed to compensate for dimensional changes in the valve body. The element is positioned in a region where it can absorb these changes without affecting the overall valve performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve (1) for controlling a flow of a fluid comprises: - a valve body having at least one first body part (2) made of a moulded plastic material; - a chamber for passage of the fluid (6), defined within the first body part (2) and comprising at least one fluid inlet (6a) and at least one fluid outlet (6b); - a valve seat (7) defined within the chamber for passage (6) of the fluid; - means for shutting off the fluid (8-9), which can be displaced relative to the valve seat (7) in order to control flow of the fluid; and - a compensation element prearranged for compensating a possible increase in volume and/or pressure of the fluid. The compensation element comprises a compensation body (26) made of an elastically deformable and/or compressible material, the moulded plastic material of the first body part (2) being stiffer than the elastically deformable and/or compressible material. The first body part (2) defines a tubular portion (23) that extends between the valve seat (7) and one of the inlet (6a) and the outlet (6b), within the chamber for passage of the fluid (6). The compensation body (26) is mounted within the chamber for passage of the fluid (6) so as to surround the tubular portion (23) at least partially.