Poppet Flow Channels for Valve Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal valves face limitations in opening speed due to restricted material removal for pressure equalization, leading to reduced structural integrity and increased wear, causing malfunction and reduced valve lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a poppet and excess flow valve apparatus with a plurality of fluid flow channels that significantly increase the cross-sectional area for fluid flow, allowing rapid pressure equalization and using a cylindrical stem to prevent wear issues, along with a spring seat and flow diverter to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If material is removed from the stem to create a cut-away portion or groove to increase fluid flow rate for pressure equalization, then the speed at which the valve can be fully opened is improved, but the structural integrity of the stem deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single fluid flow path through the stem into multiple separate channels formed in the poppet body. Instead of enlarging a single path through the stem, the invention creates several smaller channels (typically 3-10 channels) that collectively provide the necessary fluid flow area for pressure equalization without compromising the stem's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the fluid flow path from a linear path through the stem to a three-dimensional network of channels within the poppet body. The channels extend radially and axially through the poppet, creating multiple pathways that increase the effective flow area without requiring material removal from the stem.
2Quantity of substance
If a cut-away portion or groove is created on the stem to enable pressure equalization, then fluid flow rate through the equalization member is improved, but wear and malfunction increase due to edge engagement with the aperture surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fluid flow control function from the stem and relocates it to the poppet body. The cut-away portion or groove that previously existed on the stem is removed, and instead, multiple channels are formed directly in the poppet body, eliminating the edges that caused wear and engagement problems with the aperture surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the poppet body as an intermediary component that mediates between the stem and the aperture. The multiple channels in the poppet body provide the fluid flow path without direct engagement between the stem edges and the aperture surface, thereby preventing wear and malfunction.
3Speed
If the diameter of the aperture is increased to allow larger fluid flow paths, then pressure equalization speed is improved, but the valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the single large aperture into multiple smaller channels within the poppet body. These channels collectively provide the necessary fluid flow area for rapid pressure equalization without requiring an increase in the overall valve size or aperture diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple channels are nested within the existing poppet body structure, utilizing the internal volume of the poppet to create the fluid flow pathways. This nesting approach allows for increased effective flow area without increasing the external dimensions of the valve.
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 enables faster valve opening, maintains structural integrity, and reduces wear and malfunction, extending valve lifespan by allowing larger fluid flow channels and using a cylindrical stem, while controlling fluid flow to prevent excess leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of fluid flow channels fluidly couple a first chamber of the valve to a second chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Fluid flow control members for use with valves are described. An example poppet apparatus for use with an internal valve includes first and second opposing seating surfaces to control fluid flow through the internal valve. Additionally, the example poppet apparatus includes an aperture to receive a stem of the internal valve. Further, the example poppet apparatus includes a flow diverter to divert fluid flow through the poppet apparatus to substantially prevent the fluid flow from compressing a spring to be at least partially positioned in the poppet apparatus.