Sealed Shut-Off Valve With Variable Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off fittings for fluid lines face issues with long-term stable functionality and sealing efficiency due to seal sticking and damage from infrequent operation, which can lead to maintenance challenges and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves varying the gap width between the housing and the operating body in both axial and circumferential directions through a constructive geometric design of the interior and exterior areas, allowing the seal to remain largely unpressed in the open state and fully pressed only when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is constantly pressed against the housing wall to ensure sealing, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the seal may stick to the housing wall when operated infrequently, causing damage during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic gap structure where the distance between the seal and housing wall varies during rotation. The gap is smaller in the closed position for effective sealing and larger in the open position to prevent sticking. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the sealing pressure to the operational state of the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gap width between the seal and housing wall based on the rotational position. By varying this physical dimension, the seal experiences appropriate pressure only when needed (in closed position) while remaining free from excessive pressure during open position, thus preventing sticking and damage.
2Reliability
If the seal is pressed uniformly against the housing wall, then sealing is maintained, but viscoelastic flow processes cause deformation and reduced sealing efficiency over time
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic gap design ensures the seal is pressed against the housing wall only when the valve is in the closed position, rather than maintaining constant uniform pressure. This reduces continuous viscoelastic deformation while maintaining sealing efficiency when needed.
3Reliability
If the shut-off valve is closed and reopened at intervals to prevent seal sticking, then seal functionality is maintained, but maintenance effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic gap structure enables the seal to self-regulate its contact with the housing wall based on operational position. The seal automatically experiences minimal pressure during open position without requiring external maintenance actions, making the system self-maintaining.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive materials with very low free surface energy are used for the seal, then seal sticking is reduced, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing material properties (which would increase cost), the patent changes the geometric parameter of the gap width to prevent seal sticking. This maintains compatibility with standard, cost-effective seal materials while achieving the desired anti-sticking effect.
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 ensures a long-term stable sealing effect with reduced risk of seal damage and maintenance needs, while maintaining low manufacturing costs and optimal assembly ease.
Implementation Method 1
the seals, which are always pressed in as standard, will 'stick' to the housing wall if they are only operated infrequently. The occurrence of viscoelastic flow processes is also promoted by constant pressure on the seal, which can cause it to deform
Implementation Method 2
the insert body is sealed, rotatable about its longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shut-off valve (1) for a fluid line, with an insert body (2) rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis (YY) with respect to its basic shape, and with a housing (3), wherein the insert body (2) is rotatably and detachably fixed in a receptacle (7) of the housing (3) between an open position and a closed position about its longitudinal axis (YY), wherein at least one seal (15) is arranged on the shell (14) of the insert body (2), which closes a gap (16) between the housing (3) and the insert body (2).It is proposed that the width of this gap (16) is variably set in the axial and/or circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (YY) of the insert body (2) by the design of an inner circumferential surface of the housing (3) and/or an outer circumferential surface of the insert body (2), wherein this surface(s) - viewed in cross-section in the direction of the axis (YY) of the receptacle - deviates or deviates at least partially from a circular shape.