Run Selector Valve Biasing for Sealing Under Obstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commodity run selector devices face issues with incomplete rotation and fluid pressure cross-talk due to obstructions, which can prevent full movement of valve bodies and compromise the sealing of run selector devices, especially when a clog occurs between the valve body and the housing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a biasing system with a first biasing element on the housing and a second biasing element on the valve body, which are movable relative to each other to urge the valve body into desired positions, and the incorporation of a predetermined amount of backlash in the control linkage system to allow independent movement of each run selector device, preventing obstruction-related issues from affecting others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common linkage mechanism is used to control multiple run selector devices in parallel, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because an obstruction in one device can prevent full movement of all valve bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The common linkage mechanism is segmented into individual linkage members, each connected to a separate run selector device. This allows each valve body to move independently without being constrained by obstructions in other devices, while still enabling coordinated control through the segmented linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each run selector device is given its own biasing element (spring) that provides localized sealing force to its valve body. This ensures that each device maintains its own sealing quality independently, so an obstruction in one device does not compromise the sealing of other devices.
2Reliability
If valve bodies are tightly sealed against housing walls, then fluid pressure cross-talk is prevented, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to tighter tolerances required
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing element (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the valve body and the housing. This spring provides the necessary sealing force to ensure reliable sealing and prevent fluid pressure cross-talk, while allowing for larger manufacturing tolerances compared to a rigid tight-fit design.
3Reliability
If backlash is added to the control linkage to allow independent movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control linkage incorporates controlled play or backlash between linkage members, transforming a rigid static connection into a dynamic system that can accommodate independent movement of each valve body. This dynamic characteristic allows each device to move freely without being constrained by the position of other devices.
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 solution ensures that valve bodies can move fully into their designated positions, maintaining proper sealing and preventing fluid pressure cross-talk, even if one device is obstructed, by using built-in backlash and biasing mechanisms to compensate for obstructions and maintain efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second biasing elements are mutually biased against each other to urge each other apart and towards a one or the other of the opposite first and second biasing system positions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A biasing system (600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) for use with an associated run selector device is disclosed. The biasing system (600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) having a valve member movable within a housing between opposite first and second run selection positions selecting respective first and second commodity distribution runs of the associated run selector device, the biasing system (600, 700) comprising: a first biasing element on the housing of the associated run selector device; and a second biasing element on the valve member of the associated run selector device, wherein the first and second biasing elements are movable relative to each other between opposite first and second biasing system positions together with the associated valve member being moved relative to the housing between the opposite first and second run selection positions, wherein the first and second biasing elements are mutually biased against each other to urge each other apart and towards a one or the other of the opposite first and second biasing system positions. Furthermore, a run selection device with such a biasing system is disclosed.