Pressure-Activated Disc Valve for Adjustable Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices are often custom-made and require external manipulation for opening or closing, lacking the ability to rapidly and safely adjust to different fluid, liquid, or gas applications, and typically need sensor-actuator systems for operation.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a closing mechanism using movable stop discs and rods activated by pressure, allowing for rapid and secure opening or closing, and featuring a controllable actuator mechanism for adjustment, which can be used in various applications without external manipulation, and can function as a balancing valve to maintain flow levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If valve devices are custom-made for specific applications, then they can provide tailored performance, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device employs a universal design with standardized components including an outer tube, connection devices, stop discs, and closing discs that can be configured for different applications (fire suppression, industrial piping, aerospace) without requiring custom fabrication. The modular architecture allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions across diverse fluid control applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates dynamic elements including movable stop discs that can be positioned at different locations along the rods, adjustable closing discs with varying slot configurations, and spring-loaded mechanisms that adapt to different pressure conditions. This dynamic configurability allows a single valve design to be optimized for different applications through component arrangement rather than custom manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If external manipulation is required for opening or closing, then control precision can be achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device incorporates self-activating mechanisms where pressure differential automatically triggers the closing action. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the spring-loaded stop discs are forced against the closing discs, causing automatic closure without external actuation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external sensors and actuators in many applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes pneumatic principles where pressure differential across the valve body serves as the actuating force. The pressure-activated mechanism converts fluid pressure directly into mechanical motion of the stop discs and closing discs, eliminating the need for electrical actuators or external control systems while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor-actuator systems are used for adjustable valves, then control precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve provides adjustability through physical parameter changes in the mechanical structure itself. The stop discs can be positioned at different locations along the rods to change the activation pressure threshold. The closing discs can be configured with different slot geometries to adjust flow characteristics. These parameter changes are achieved through mechanical configuration rather than electronic control, eliminating sensors and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device is segmented into modular components including multiple stop discs, closing discs, and rods that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows different combinations of components to be assembled for specific applications, providing adjustability and versatility without requiring complex control systems. Each segment can be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compatibility with the overall universal design.
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
Enables rapid and secure operation across different fluid, liquid, or gas applications, providing adjustable functionality without the need for custom fabrication or external control, and can function as both a bidirectional and non-return valve.
Implementation Method 1
pressure in front or behind the valve device activates movable parts of the valve
Implementation Method 2
The mentioned spring-functionality of the bolts/rods/aperture box/stop discs can further be used such that after the pressure in the mentioned chamber again drops, the rods/bolts/aperture box/stop discs are returned and the valve device again opens
Data Source
AI summary
Valve device based on a closing disc formed by disc parts which are movably arranged on activation bolts extending between two stop discs, and where movement of the activation bolts or disc parts in longitudinal direction of the valve device results in that the relative position between the disc parts are changed and the valve device opens or closes.