Resin Flow Control Device Thermal Deformation Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow control devices made of fluororesin experience thermal deformation at high temperatures, leading to seal structure loss and inaccurate fluid regulation, which existing metal form retaining means cannot prevent effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a resin housing featuring a diaphragm and valve body that follow thermal deformation, utilizing a permeation protection sheet and cap nut to maintain seal integrity, and a gas chamber system to prevent gas stagnation and cool the diaphragm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluororesin housing is used to achieve chemical resistance, then chemical resistance is improved, but thermal deformation occurs at high temperatures causing seal structure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the housing from fluororesin to stainless steel, which has different thermal properties. This material substitution allows the housing to maintain structural stability at high temperatures while still providing the required chemical resistance, thereby resolving the thermal deformation issue without sacrificing chemical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining stainless steel housing with fluororesin components (such as fluororesin-coated diaphragms and sealing elements). This composite approach leverages the high-temperature stability of stainless steel while incorporating fluororesin's chemical resistance properties in specific components, achieving both requirements simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If metal form retaining means are added to suppress thermal deformation, then thermal stability is improved, but the housing still undergoes further thermal deformation at temperatures of 100°C or higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the thermal parameter of the housing material from fluororesin to stainless steel, which has a much lower coefficient of thermal expansion and maintains dimensional stability at temperatures of 100°C and above. This material parameter change eliminates the need for additional form retaining means and prevents further thermal deformation that would compromise flow control accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the diaphragm is held between the holding member and the opposing surface, then seal structure integrity is maintained during thermal deformation, but gas stagnation may occur in the gas chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas chamber into multiple regions using partition walls, creating separate gas flow paths. This segmentation prevents gas stagnation by ensuring that gas can circulate through different zones rather than accumulating in a single enclosed space, while the diaphragm remains properly positioned between the holding member and opposing surface to maintain seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gas flow channels and pressure equalization pathways that utilize pneumatic principles to actively circulate gas through the chamber. The gas flow is directed to follow the diaphragm's movement and to prevent stagnation, while maintaining the seal structure through controlled pressure distribution across the diaphragm surface.
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 device ensures accurate flow control of high-temperature fluids by maintaining seal structure integrity despite thermal deformation, allowing for precise regulation across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
the fluororesin being susceptible to thermal deformation such as thermal expansion would cause the housing to thermally expand or the like to undergo thermal deformation
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm which is supported in the housing so as to split the housing into a gas chamber side to which gas is introduced and a fluid chamber side through which fluid passes, and is activated by the differential pressure between the gas chamber side and the fluid chamber side
Implementation Method 3
a gas chamber side to which gas is introduced
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow control device (1) is capable of performing accurate flow control over a wide range of temperatures by using a housing (10) made of resin with superior chemical resistance. The flow control device (1) includes: a housing (10) made of resin; a diaphragm (35) which is supported in the housing (10) so as to split the housing into a gas chamber side to which gas is introduced and a fluid chamber side through which fluid passes, and is activated by the differential pressure between the gas chamber side and the fluid chamber side; and a valve body (31) which operates in integration with the diaphragm (35) to regulate the flow of the fluid introduced into the fluid chamber side. The gas chamber side includes a holding member which holds the diaphragm between itself and an opposing surface of the fluid chamber side opposite to the diaphragm (35), the holding member being screwed to the inner peripheral wall of the gas chamber side through a screw part.