Segmented Shut-Off Valve Housing for Easier Pipe Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off valves for pipes are complex and expensive to install, maintain, and repair due to their design, requiring complete removal from the pipe composite for component replacement and laborious reconnection processes, which complicates accessibility and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight shut-off valve design featuring releasable screw connections for connection flanges with weld surfaces, allowing easy installation and removal without separating flanges from pipe ends, and using replaceable seat bushings to prevent wear and ensure tightness, facilitating maintenance and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If connection flanges are integrally formed on the housing, then the valve structure is stable and robust, but the valve becomes heavy and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The connection flanges are separated from the housing as independent components. The housing (2) and connection flanges (6, 7) are distinct parts that can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing the housing to be lighter while maintaining structural stability through proper connection design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If connection flanges are integrally formed on the housing, then the valve structure is robust, but maintenance and repair require complete removal from pipe composite
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into separable components: the housing (2) containing internal components and the connection flanges (6, 7) attached via releasable screw connections (8). This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to access and replace slide valves (5) and seat rings (13, 14) by simply removing the housing from the flanges, without disconnecting the flanges from the pipe composite.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between housing and connection flanges transitions from a fixed integral design to a dynamic, releasable connection using screw connections (8). This dynamic connection allows the housing to be easily removed and reattached, providing flexibility for maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
3Ease of repair
If connection flanges are removed from pipe composite for repair, then components can be accessed, but reconnection requires laborious sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three distinct parts: connection flanges (6, 7) that remain welded to the pipe composite, housing (2) that can be removed for maintenance, and internal components (slide valve 5, seat rings 13, 14). This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access components by removing only the housing, while the flanges remain in place, eliminating the need for complex re sealing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connection flanges are used for pipe connection, then the valve can be connected to pipe ends, but the housing becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is separated from the housing by using independent connection flanges (6, 7) that can be welded to the pipe ends. The housing (2) only needs to connect to these flanges via lightweight screw connections (8), significantly reducing the housing weight while maintaining full connection capability to pipe ends through the flanges.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shut-off valve for pipes, having: a housing which forms a passage; a shut-off unit having a slide valve for opening and shutting off the passage; at least one first connection flange, which is arranged on the housing and is connected to the passage, for connection to a first pipe end; and at least one second connection flange, which is arranged on the housing and connected to the passage, for connection to a second pipe end.