Rotatable Wedge Valve Cartridge for Precise Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve mechanisms, such as plug cock, ball, screw-down stop, gate, and sluice valves, fail to provide precise control of fluid flow and sealing in high-pressure applications, and require extensive shutdowns for maintenance, as they lack efficient assembly and disassembly capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable wedge valve mechanism in cartridge form with a core member having a spherical axle end and a rotatable wedge valve member with a convex outer surface generated from a different center-point, allowing for variable force application at open, intermediate, and closed positions, enabling efficient installation, operation, and maintenance without removing the valve body from the flow line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional valve mechanisms (plug cock, ball, gate valves) are used, then fluid flow control is provided, but they fail to provide precise control in high-pressure applications and require extensive shutdowns for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into a stationary valve body and a replaceable cartridge assembly containing the wedge valve member and seat. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be quickly removed and replaced without shutting down the entire system, reducing maintenance downtime while maintaining precise flow control through the specialized wedge geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge valve member is designed with variable wall thickness that creates dynamic force distribution against the seat at different valve positions. The thicker wall sections apply greater force to maintain sealing at open and closed positions, enabling precise flow control across the full range of motion while the cartridge can be quickly exchanged when needed.
2Device complexity
If the rotatable wedge valve element has uniform wall thickness, then structural simplicity is achieved, but it cannot maintain seat engaging force at both open and closed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge valve member features non-uniform wall thickness with thicker sections strategically positioned to apply greater force against the seat at specific valve positions (open and closed). This local variation in geometry ensures reliable sealing force where needed while maintaining overall structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between complexity and reliability.
3Ease of repair
If the valve body is removed from the flow line for maintenance, then complete access to internal components is achieved, but operational downtime increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into a permanent valve body and a removable cartridge assembly. The cartridge contains all wear-prone components (wedge valve member, seat, seals) and can be independently removed and replaced without disturbing the valve body or shutting down the flow line, providing complete component accessibility while minimizing operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly is designed as a disposable or replaceable unit that can be quickly removed, refurbished or replaced, and reinstalled. This allows maintenance personnel to service the valve by simply exchanging the cartridge rather than performing complex disassembly of the entire valve body, dramatically reducing maintenance time while ensuring proper component access.
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
This design allows for precise control of fluid flow, enhanced sealing capabilities, and simplified maintenance by maintaining force on the valve seat at all positions, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable wedge valve member has a convex outer surface that is of substantially spherical configuration and is in engagement with a corresponding sealing surface of an annular seat member
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable wedge cartridge valve has a cartridge body defining a cartridge chamber of a defined internal width having flow ports in communication with the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve cartridge assembly is removeably positioned within the cartridge chamber and has a controllable width. A core member defines a flow passage and has a spherical outer surface portion. A valve seat is located within the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve member is mounted for rotation relative to the core and has a concave surface portion in rotary guided relation with the spherical outer surface. The rotatable wedge valve member also has an external convex surface that is positioned for sealing engagement with the valve seat and has a geometry developing a non-uniform wall thickness along the rotatable wedge valve member.