Rotatable Valve With Movable Ball Check For Bidirectional Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves lack the ability to efficiently control fluid flow in multiple directions and handle high-pressure fluids while preventing fluid loss and contaminant removal without complex disassembly or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable valve structure with a movable ball check that allows bidirectional fluid flow, includes a cavity with projections to maintain the ball check within the valve body, enabling fluid flow around the check and facilitating contaminant removal through reverse flow without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional valve structure is used, then the valve can control fluid flow in one direction, but it cannot efficiently control bidirectional fluid flow or handle high-pressure fluids while preventing fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The ball check is nested within the rotatable valve structure (plug or ball), creating a multi-functional integrated component. The ball check sits inside the cavity of the rotatable valve member, allowing it to move independently while being contained within the overall valve assembly. This nesting enables the valve to provide both bidirectional flow control and automatic check valve functionality without requiring separate external components, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability for fluid loss prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable valve structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary flow control mechanism (blocking or permitting flow) and houses the ball check that provides automatic check valve functionality. This multi-functional design allows a single valve component to handle bidirectional fluid flow control and prevent fluid loss, eliminating the need for separate check valve components and improving overall system versatility and reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If a ball check is inserted through a large opening, then the ball check can be easily installed, but the opening cannot be closed off effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with a pre-formed opening of appropriate size that allows the ball check to be inserted during assembly. The opening dimensions are carefully selected to permit easy insertion of the ball check while still allowing for effective closure. This preliminary design of the opening geometry enables straightforward installation without requiring complex closure mechanisms, as the opening can be sealed by the valve plug or ball when rotated to the closed position
3Reliability
If projections are added to prevent ball check exit, then the ball check is retained within the cavity, but the projections may interfere with fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
Projections are strategically positioned at specific locations within the cavity to prevent ball check exit while minimizing interference with fluid flow. The projections are placed such that they only engage with the ball check when necessary for retention, while leaving the main flow passages open and unobstructed. This localized placement of retention features ensures reliable ball check retention without significantly impeding fluid flow efficiency through the valve
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 valve effectively controls fluid flow in multiple directions, prevents fluid loss at high pressures, and allows for easy contaminant removal by rotating the valve body, reducing maintenance time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a movable ball check for selectively blocking fluid flow through the valve... to seat against a check seat formed of the plug or ball to stop fluid flow through the valve
Implementation Method 2
fluid flowing through the main passageway into the cavity... the ball check movable by action of fluid flowing through the main passageway into the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A valve with a valve body in which is rotatably mounted a valve member, the valve member having therein a ball check for selectively preventing fluid flow through the valve.