Check Valve Trim With Rotational Stem for Sticking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves face issues such as sticking, sediment accumulation, compromised leak-tightness, and increased size and manufacturing costs due to elongated stems and plastic sealing rings, which affect their reliability and efficiency over time.
Innovation Solution
A trim design for check valves featuring a stem with a rotational member and a hollow coupling member, where the stem is partially disposed in a sleeve, and a closing member with a biasing spring, allowing for 90-degree turning to open or close the valve, reducing the risk of sticking and fouling accumulation, and incorporating washers and o-rings for sealing, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an elongated guide sleeve and stem are used in conventional check valves, then the valve structure can accommodate longer travel distance, but the stem becomes prone to bending, sticking, and sediment accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is divided into two functional parts: a rotational member (90-degree rotation) and a closing member (linear movement). This segmentation allows the valve to achieve full opening/closing function without requiring a long linear travel distance, thus preventing stem bending and sticking while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rotational mechanism where the rotational member rotates 90 degrees to control fluid flow, replacing the conventional linear reciprocating motion. This dynamic change reduces the stem's linear travel distance, minimizing sediment accumulation and sticking risks while maintaining valve functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic sealing rings are used in conventional check valves, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but leak-tightness is compromised over time due to material degradation and high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite sealing system combining metal components (stem, closing member) with elastomeric sealing elements (O-rings, gaskets). This composite approach provides both durability and leak-tightness under high pressure, while remaining cost-effective through the use of standard sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from relying on plastic deformation of sealing rings to using elastomeric O-rings that maintain their sealing properties through elastic deformation. This parameter change in material behavior ensures sustained leak-proof function under varying pressure conditions.
3Reliability
If a double trim mechanism with multiple sealing rings is used, then leak-proof function is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing functions into a unified closing member that integrates the stem extension, sealing surface, and actuation mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining comprehensive leak-proof coverage at the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a stem extension, provides the primary sealing surface, blocks the outlet, and transmits the biasing force. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining robust leak-proof performance.
4Stress or pressure
If the stem travels a long distance in the guide sleeve, then the valve can accommodate larger pressure differentials, but sediment accumulation hinders movement and causes sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism allows the valve to respond to pressure differentials through rotation rather than long linear travel. This dynamic approach minimizes the stem's exposure to sediment-prone areas while maintaining the ability to handle large pressure differentials through the rotational sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the stem from the elongated guide sleeve environment that promotes sediment accumulation. The rotational member operates in a compact space, removing the stem from harmful interaction with sediments while preserving pressure differential handling capability.
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 design enhances the reliability and longevity of the check valve by reducing the likelihood of sticking, effectively removing fouling, and achieving a compact, cost-effective structure with improved sealing and flow control, ensuring prolonged useful life and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member biased between the closing member and the connector
Implementation Method 2
the biasing member being compressed
Implementation Method 3
in response to the pressure differential greater than the predetermined value the rotational member is turned in a first direction by a fluid flowing through the inlet
Implementation Method 4
push the closing member away from the sleeve with the biasing member being compressed, thereby flowing the fluid out of the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A trim of a check valve includes a stem, a fixed member including two opposite through holes, a rotational member secured to the stem and including two opposite recesses, a hollow coupling member including an inlet at one end, a sleeve releasably secured to the coupling member wherein the sleeve includes an outlet at an other end and the fixed member and the rotational member are disposed at one end of the sleeve, a closing member moveably disposed at an other end of the sleeve, a connector releasably secured to an other end of the stem, and a biasing member biased between the closing member and the connector. In response to fluid pressure differential greater than a predetermined value the rotational member is clockwise turned to align the through holes with the recesses to allow the fluid to flow out of the outlet.