Rotatable Plug Valve for Fluid Level Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for displaying and controlling fluid levels in containers lack optimal operating behavior, particularly in terms of fluid connection management and valve operation, which affects precision and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A device with a shell-like outer housing and a valve device featuring a rotatable plug with a through hole, sealed by rings, allowing 360° rotation without a rotary stop, and secured by a circlip, along with an external thread for fixing, enables precise control of fluid connections through a shut-off valve mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional valve device with limited rotation is used, then the valve provides basic fluid control, but the operating behavior and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed to rotate dynamically through 360 degrees without a rotary stop, allowing continuous adjustment of the fluid connection. This dynamic rotation capability improves operating behavior by enabling precise control of fluid flow direction and rate, while the simple bore structure maintains relatively low device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device changes the parameter of rotation angle from limited to full 360-degree rotation. This parameter change enables the plug to assume multiple positions for controlling fluid flow, significantly improving operating behavior and control precision without requiring complex mechanical stopping mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If the plug is sealed within the bore using sealing rings, then fluid connection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing rings are applied locally at specific positions within the bore where the plug contacts the valve housing. This localized sealing approach ensures precise fluid connection control at critical interfaces while keeping the rest of the manufacturing process relatively simple and straightforward
3Ease of operation
If the receptacle extends completely through the housing, then fluid level access is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed as a complete through-structure that segments the housing into accessible regions. This segmentation allows the float body to move freely and be visible through the housing while the distributed structure of the receptacle maintains sufficient structural integrity of the overall housing
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 solution provides improved operating behavior by ensuring secure, precise control of fluid connections and level indication, enhancing both visual observation and electrical signal generation capabilities for fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
a valve device being present at least for one fluid connection, by means of which the fluid connection leading from the fluid connection into the riser pipe can be controlled, the valve device being a shut-off valve with a bolt-like, in a bore rotatable chick
Implementation Method 2
the chick is sealed within the bore by means of sealing rings
Implementation Method 3
a float body can be provided in the riser pipe, which rises or falls according to the level of the fluid in the container or tank
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A device for indicating and/or controlling fluids that can be received in a container, such as a tank (9), with at least one fluid connection (1, 3) which opens via a fluid connection (5; 81) into a riser pipe in which an indication corresponding to the fluid level in the container is possible, wherein at least for one fluid connection (1, 3) a valve device (53) is provided by means of which the fluid connection (5; 81) leading from the fluid connection (1, 3) into the riser pipe (7) can be controlled, is characterized in that the valve device (53) is formed as a shut-off valve with a bolt-like plug (59) rotatable by 360° in a bore (61) in the valve housing (57) with a through-bore perpendicular to the axis of rotation and that the plug (59) is sealed within the bore (61) by means of sealing rings (69).