Resilient Valve Insert for Flow Control Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems face challenges with control valves requiring precise design and manufacturing tolerances, leading to issues with fluid flow control and increased friction, especially when manufacturing tolerances are not met.
Innovation Solution
A valve design incorporating a resiliently arranged valve insert with movable distal portions that can adapt to manufacturing tolerances, allowing for relative movement to compensate for size variations in valve plug and chamber dimensions, reducing friction and improving flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise design and manufacturing tolerances are applied to control valves, then flow control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve insert is designed with resilient properties that allow it to dynamically adjust its dimensional parameters (position, shape) in response to manufacturing tolerances. This elasticity enables the valve to maintain precise flow control characteristics despite variations in manufacturing dimensions, effectively decoupling flow control precision from strict manufacturing tolerance requirements.
2Reliability
If tighter manufacturing tolerances are enforced on valve components, then sealing performance is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient valve insert can dynamically adjust its position and contact pressure with the valve seat through elastic deformation. This self-adjusting capability ensures reliable sealing performance even when manufactured within standard tolerances, eliminating the need for tight tolerance enforcement and thereby maintaining high production efficiency.
3Reliability
If the closing member is made larger to improve sealing, then sealing contact is improved, but friction and movement force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient valve insert maintains optimal sealing contact pressure through elastic deformation rather than relying on increased size. The material's resilience allows it to conform to the valve seat surface and maintain adequate contact pressure for sealing while keeping the overall dimensions and movement mass reduced, thereby minimizing friction and required actuation force.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard manufacturing tolerances are used for valve components, then production cost is reduced, but valve performance and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient valve insert compensates for dimensional variations resulting from standard manufacturing tolerances through elastic deformation. This allows the valve to achieve consistent flow control performance and reliable sealing despite variations in the dimensions of connected components, thereby maintaining valve performance while enabling the use of cost-effective standard tolerances in production.
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 valve design enhances manufacturing tolerance acceptance, reduces friction, and maintains effective fluid flow control by allowing the distal portions to move relative to each other, accommodating variations in valve plug size and chamber dimensions, thus improving system reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said distal portions of said valve insert is resiliently arranged relative said proximal portion in order for the distal portions to be movable relative each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a valve (1) for controlling fluid flow. The valve comprises a valve body (22) and a chamber (30) arranged inside the valve body. The chamber has a proximal chamber surface (32) and a distal chamber surface (34) being opposite to the proximal chamber surface. The valve further comprises a fluid inlet (24), a fluid outlet (26), a valve rod (42) and a valve plug (44). The valve plug and the valve rod are arranged to control fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet via the chamber. The valve further comprises a valve insert (50) arranged at least partly inside the chamber. The valve insert comprises a proximal portion (52) and at least two distal portions (54-56), and the valve plug is adapted to be guided through at least a part of the valve insert. At least one of the distal portions is resiliently arranged relative the proximal portion in order for the distal portions to be movable relative each other.