Pressure-Differential Compressor Outlet Valve for Faster Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor valves with spring-loaded elastomer seals face challenges in opening speed and material selection due to the need for overcoming spring force and requiring airtight mechanical connections between housings.
Innovation Solution
A compressor valve design featuring a sealing means held between a cylinder and valve housing, using an elastomer seal that opens with pressure differential, allowing faster operation and flexible material choices for housings, with a separate plate providing the inlet opening and reducing the need for airtight mechanical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded elastomer seal is used to close the inlet opening, then the valve can be sealed airtightly, but the valve opening speed decreases due to the force that must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component is completely removed from the sealing mechanism. Instead of using a spring-loaded elastomer seal, the patent employs a direct pressure differential mechanism where the sealing means is pushed against the inlet opening by the higher pressure in the outlet valve volume, eliminating the need to overcome spring force during opening
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism uses the process fluid's own pressure to achieve sealing. The higher pressure in the outlet valve volume automatically pushes the sealing means against the inlet opening, creating a self-regulating seal that opens immediately when pressure differential changes, without requiring external spring force
2Reliability
If a mechanical connection between cylinder housing and valve housing provides an airtight seal, then sealing is reliable, but material selection and manufacturing methods are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the mechanical connection function. The sealing means (elastomer component) is held between the cylinder housing and valve housing, creating a seal that is independent of the mechanical connection method. This allows the mechanical connection to use various methods (welding, threading, flanges) while the elastomer seal ensures airtightness
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines different material types for different functions: elastomer materials for sealing (providing flexibility and sealability), metals or other rigid materials for structural housings (providing strength and stability). This composite approach allows optimal material selection for each component's specific requirements
3Reliability
If the sealing means is held under preload between cylinder housing and valve housing, then the valve closes reliably, but the structure requires precise mechanical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from relying on precise mechanical alignment to relying on pressure differential. The sealing means is positioned to be pushed against the inlet opening by pressure difference rather than by precise mechanical preload, changing the critical parameter from alignment precision to pressure control
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 design enables faster valve opening, reduces air turbulence, and allows for diverse material selection and manufacturing methods, improving operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the sealant comprises an elastic material, particularly an elastomer. Such materials are dimensionally stable but elastically deformable. This means that the plastics can deform elastically under tensile and compressive loads, but then return to their original, undeformed shape.
Implementation Method 2
the sealing means is raised as a result of a pressure increase in the cylinder chamber in relation to the pressure in the volume of the outlet valve and thus opens the inlet opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an outlet valve (10) for a compressor, comprising at least one inlet opening (20), which can be closed and opened by means of a sealing element (18), wherein, when the valve (10) is in a closed state in which the inlet opening (20) is closed, the sealing element (18) lies on the inlet opening (20), and when the valve (10) is in an open state in which the inlet opening (20) is open, the sealing element (18) is lifted as a result of a pressure increase in the cylinder chamber (2) in relation to the pressure in the volume (14) of the outlet valve (10) and thus opens the inlet opening (20), characterized in that the sealing element (18) is peripherally held between a cylinder housing (4) and a valve housing (12), and in that the sealing element (18) comprises at least one air through-opening (22) and, when the valve (10) is in the open state, compressed air flows from the cylinder chamber (2) through the inlet opening (20) and through the air through-opening (22) of the sealing element (18) into the volume (14) of the valve (10).