Rotary Pipe Shut-Off Valve for Dust-Resistant Rapid Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off devices in pipe systems often malfunction due to contamination from dusty environments, preventing rapid closure, especially when operated manually or with motorized remote control systems.
Innovation Solution
A shut-off device with a radial bearing and a closure mechanism that rotates about an axis coinciding with the pipe's longitudinal axis, minimizing contamination risk and allowing for easy connection to existing pipes, using a plain, roller, or magnetic bearing for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a manual or motorized shut-off device is used in a dusty environment, then the pipe can be closed rapidly, but the joints or sliding guides become clogged with environmental contaminants over time, preventing proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sliding guides with a radial rotation mechanism about the pipe's longitudinal axis. This substitution eliminates the clogging problem because the closure device rotates rather than slides along contaminated surfaces, and the radial bearing design minimizes exposure to environmental contaminants while maintaining rapid closing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the movement dimension from linear sliding (prone to clogging) to radial rotation about the longitudinal axis. By rotating the closure device 90 degrees to align with the pipe axis and using a radial bearing, the system achieves rapid shut-off while the rotational movement prevents contaminant accumulation that would occur with sliding mechanisms
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the closure device rotates about an axis coinciding with the pipe's longitudinal axis, then contamination risk is minimized, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The radial bearing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables rotation about the longitudinal axis to minimize contamination, provides structural support for the closure device, and acts as the rotational pivot point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase despite the advanced rotational mechanism
3Ease of operation
If a radial bearing is used to minimize contamination, then the closure device can rotate smoothly, but the bearing itself may be affected by environmental contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The radial bearing acts as an intermediary element that is strategically positioned to minimize its exposure to environmental contaminants while still enabling the closure device's rotational movement. The bearing's location and design create a protective interface that reduces contaminant ingress, allowing smooth rotation without the bearing itself being directly exposed to the dusty environment
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
Ensures rapid closure and reduced contamination risk, maintaining operational efficiency even in contaminated environments, with the option for mechanical or motorized actuation.
Implementation Method 1
A shut-off device with a radial bearing and a closure mechanism that rotates about an axis coinciding with the pipe's longitudinal axis, minimizing contamination risk and allowing for easy connection to existing pipes, using a plain, roller, or magnetic bearing for smooth operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shut-off device (1) for interrupting a flow path in a pipe with at least one first pipe connection piece (3.1), with a first flow cross-section (7.1), with a closing device (5) that can be moved between an open position in which the flow path is free and a closed position in which the flow path is blocked, is characterized in that the closing device is mounted to be radially rotatable and has a second flow cross-section (7.3) reduced by a barrier wall (7.4), wherein the first flow cross-section is at least partially aligned with the second flow cross-section in the open position and is blocked by the barrier wall in the closed position.