Sanitary Valve Flow Rate Regulator Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary valves lack the ability to independently set a desired upper limit for flow rate that is independent of the flow properties at the main valve and pressure conditions, limiting their performance.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate regulator is arranged downstream of the main valve, allowing for the setting of a target flow rate independently of the main valve's flow properties and pressure conditions, utilizing a controller core with a tapered shape and an elastically deformable control element, coupled to a push-push mechanism for easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow rate regulator is added downstream of the main valve, then the ability to independently set target flow rate is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate regulator is integrated into the existing main valve housing, with the control core and control element incorporated into the same structural assembly. This merging approach allows independent flow rate setting without creating a completely separate device, thus improving adaptability while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The main valve is designed to perform multiple functions: both main valve control and flow rate regulation. The control element can adjust both the main valve opening and the control gap of the flow rate regulator, making the device universal and reducing the need for separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the flow rate regulator is integrated into the main valve housing, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is designed to automatically establish the correct control gap when inserted into the control bore. The tapered control core and control element geometry enable self-alignment and self-setting of the gap, reducing the need for high-precision manual adjustment and simplifying installation while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control gap is designed with a tapered geometry that allows the gap size to be adjusted by changing the axial position of the control element. This parameter change approach enables precise flow rate control through simple axial movement rather than requiring complex lateral positioning, thus improving ease of installation while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If the control core is made movable for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism replaces complex mechanical linkages with a simple tapered cylindrical interface. The control element's tapered outer surface mates with the tapered inner surface of the control bore, creating a self-aligning, wear-resistant connection that maintains reliability while enabling easy axial adjustment for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element incorporates an elastically deformable portion that can flex to accommodate pressure changes and thermal expansion. This elastic flexibility allows the control element to maintain reliable contact with the tapered bore while accommodating operational variations, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.
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
Enables precise adjustment of flow rates across defined target values, improving the control behavior and compliance with regulatory requirements without major design changes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable control element, defines a control gap with a pressure-dependent opening cross-section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Sanitary valve with a main valve (3) having a movable diaphragm (4) and a pilot valve (6) with which the main valve (3) can be controlled, wherein a position of the diaphragm (4) can be predetermined by a position of a valve plunger (7) of the pilot valve (6), wherein a flow rate regulator (34) is arranged downstream of the main valve (3).