Rotary Flow Control Gate for Compact Precision Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid control systems face challenges with complex mechanisms, lack of precision in flow control, and increased volume, which limits their application in systems with lower supply pressures and packaging constraints.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction valve with a simple, compact design featuring a radiused inlet and outlet, a flow control gate supported by a control shaft, and a force controller that allows for precise adjustment of the flow rate through rotational movement of the gate, providing a linear flow characteristic and reduced pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional valve mechanisms are used, then flow control function is provided, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a valve body defining inlet/outlet ports and internal passages, a separately mounted flow control assembly with gate and shaft, and independently replaceable filter elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately with high precision while keeping the overall device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines fluid passages, provides mounting surfaces for the flow control assembly, houses the filter elements, and creates sealing surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining precise flow control capabilities.
2Volume of stationary object
If conventional valve designs are used, then flow control is provided, but volume increases and packaging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is nested within the valve body interior chamber, with the gate and shaft positioned inside the fluid passages. The filter elements are nested within the valve body, utilizing the internal volume efficiently. This nesting arrangement minimizes the external volume of the valve while providing complete flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control gate utilizes rotational movement around a shaft axis to modulate flow, transitioning from linear motion to rotational motion. This dimensional change allows compact positioning of the control mechanism within the valve body while maintaining effective flow modulation across the entire flow range.
3Loss of energy
If complex valve assemblies are used, then flow control function is achieved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control gate features rounded edges and curved surfaces instead of sharp angles, and the valve internal passages are designed with smooth transitions. This curvature reduces flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure drop while maintaining precise flow control through the gate position.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design optimizes geometric parameters such as passage cross-sectional area, gate thickness, and rounding radii to balance flow capacity with control precision. By carefully selecting these parameters, the valve achieves low pressure drop while maintaining fine flow rate control capability.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A multifunction valve includes a valve body defining an inlet, and outlet and an interior chamber. A flow control gate may be disposed within the interior chamber and comprises one or more protrusions configured to provide a high level of precision control of a fluid flow rate through the multifunction valve as the flow control gate is rotated through an arcuate range of positions. The protrusions may comprise a cut-out portion, wherein the size and/or shape of the cut-out may be configured to modify the fluid flow rate through the multifunction valve. A method of modulating a fluid flow rate includes directing fluid flow through a multifunction valve from an inlet to an outlet, the multifunction valve including a flow control gate, adjusting the flow rate through the multifunction valve by rotating a control shaft to position the flow control gate to variably occlude the outlet of the multifunction valve.