Pressure Valve Closure Mechanism for Consistent Liquid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure valves for liquids fail to efficiently regulate flow at varying pressures, often allowing excessive flow at higher pressures and inadequate flow at lower pressures, which can lead to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in applications like water conservation systems.
Innovation Solution
A pressure valve design featuring a movable member that shifts between unblocked and blocked positions based on pressure differences, guided by flow passages and a spring mechanism, ensuring efficient blocking at higher pressures and allowing flow at lower pressures, with a compact and controllable mechanism that aligns with the flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure relief valve is used to allow flow at higher pressures, then the valve opens to release pressure, but it allows excessive flow at higher pressures instead of maintaining consistent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional valve operation by making the valve close at higher pressures and open at lower pressures. The movable member blocks the outlet at high inlet pressures and unblocks it when pressure drops, which is the opposite behavior of traditional pressure relief valves. This inversion resolves the contradiction by preventing excessive flow at high pressures while maintaining flow consistency across varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational pressure parameters by designing the valve to respond to pressure increases by closing rather than opening. The flow passages are configured to direct liquid to the outlet side of the movable member, creating a pressure differential that drives the closure action. This parameter change enables consistent flow regulation across different inlet pressure conditions.
2Reliability
If the movable member is positioned to block the outlet at higher pressures, then excessive flow is prevented, but the valve complexity increases with additional flow passages and guidance mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member serves multiple functions: it blocks the outlet, directs flow through flow passages, and is guided by the housing structure. The housing provides both structural support and flow passage integration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flow passages with the housing structure and integrates the guidance mechanism into the overall valve design. The flow passages are formed as part of the housing, and the movable member's movement is guided by the housing geometry. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate, discrete elements for each function.
3Productivity
If the inlet and outlet are substantially aligned for efficient flow, then flow efficiency is improved, but the movable member movement is constrained to a narrow path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow passages as intermediary channels that direct liquid from the inlet side to the outlet side of the movable member. These flow passages act as mediators between the aligned inlet and outlet, allowing the movable member to move freely along the flow direction while still enabling efficient liquid flow through the designated passages. The flow passages facilitate the pressure differential needed for movable member actuation.
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 reliable and efficient pressure valve that maintains consistent flow at lower pressures while blocking excessive flow at higher pressures, enhancing the performance of flow limiting devices in applications such as water conservation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The movable member is movable under the influence of the liquid flow through the housing and will urge the movable member towards the outlet. A relative high pressure at the inlet, with respect to the outlet, will thus move the movable member to the blocked position.
Implementation Method 2
the pressure valve preferably comprises at least one flow passage for directing liquid to the outlet side of the movable member, preferably from the inlet side to the outlet side. The size and/or number of flow passages thus determines a flow of liquid from preferably the inlet side to the outlet side of the movable member.
Implementation Method 3
guided by flow passages and a spring mechanism, ensuring efficient blocking at higher pressures and allowing flow at lower pressures
Data Source
AI summary
Pressure valve for a liquid comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet for directing the liquid from the inlet through the housing to the outlet along a flow direction, wherein valve further comprises movable member which is movable in the housing towards and away from the outlet between a blocked position wherein the movable member blocks the outlet and an unblocked position wherein the movable member is moved away from the outlet in a direction opposite the flow direction.