Rotary Valve Socket for Liquid Drum Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing socket design for liquid containers, particularly those handling slurries, faces issues with liquidity deterioration due to solid particle adhesion and incomplete closure mechanisms, leading to liquid leakage when detached from the plug.
Innovation Solution
A socket with a rotary valve and switching mechanism that allows for open and closed states, preventing solid particle accumulation and ensuring liquid circulation, and includes discharge holes to guide remaining liquid back into the container, preventing leakage upon detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve body with a urging mechanism is used to switch liquid circulation, then the valve can be opened or closed, but solid particles adhere to the urging mechanism and coagulate, preventing smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the urging mechanism entirely from the valve structure. Instead of using a spring or other urging device to open or close the valve, the invention uses a simple valve body that opens and closes based on liquid pressure differential alone, eliminating the component that would accumulate solid particles and fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operates autonomously using the liquid's own pressure to open and close. When liquid flows through the socket, the pressure differential automatically opens the valve; when flow stops, the valve closes on its own without requiring any external urging mechanism or additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the socket is detached from the plug, then the connection can be removed, but liquid flows to the outside through the liquid return passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a check valve structure within the socket that prevents liquid from flowing backward into the liquid return passage when the socket is detached. The check valve closes automatically when detachment occurs, blocking the potential leakage path before liquid can escape, thus preventing the harmful effect of leakage while maintaining detachment capability.
3Productivity
If solid particles are present in the liquid, then the liquid can be circulated, but particles adhere to sections with decreased passage area, deteriorating liquidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid passage into multiple sections with different characteristics. The liquid return passage has a larger diameter and smoother transitions compared to the main circulation path, creating zones that minimize particle accumulation. This segmentation allows liquid with solid particles to circulate while reducing adhesion to passage walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the liquid return passage, specifically increasing the passage diameter and modifying the curvature radius at transitions. These parameter changes reduce turbulence and shear stress that would cause solid particles to adhere to the passage walls, thereby maintaining liquid liquidity during circulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a connector (300) including a plug (200) to be fixed to an inner peripheral surface of an opening (410,511) of a liquid storing container (400), and a socket (100) to be detachably attached to the plug (200). The plug (200) includes a plug body (210) in which a first liquid outflows passage, a first liquid inflow passage (212), and a first gas passage (213) are formed. The socket (100) includes a socket body (110) including, formed therein, a second liquid outflow passage (111), a second liquid inflow passage (112), and a second gas passage (113); a rotary valve (130) having an outflow through-hole (131,132) and an inflow through-hole (131,132); and a switching mechanism (140) for switching between an open state and a closed state when the rotary valve (130) is rotated.