Self-Energizing Valve Seal for Low-Energy Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve technologies, such as direct force and close fit valves, are inefficient due to high energy consumption and leakage issues, particularly in hydraulic systems like peristaltic pumps, and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The development of bi-directional self-energizing valves with a valve body, valve head, and self-energizing valve seal that utilize pressure differentials to automatically adjust sealing force, reducing energy requirements and preventing backflow, while being inexpensive to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct force valve seals are used to ensure complete sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seal uses the system's own fluid pressure to automatically adjust the sealing force. When pressure differential increases, the seal is forced tighter against the seating surface, using the system's own energy to enhance sealing without requiring external actuation energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing force is dynamically adjusted based on pressure differential parameters. The seal transitions from a static sealing force to a dynamic one that changes with operating conditions, optimizing the balance between sealing reliability and energy consumption at different pressure levels.
2Strength
If direct force valves are designed to seal against maximum pressure, then sealing capability is improved, but efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary force application at lower pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve transitions from a static sealing design to a dynamic one where the sealing force automatically adjusts with pressure differential. The seal engages with variable force depending on operating conditions, maximizing sealing capability when needed while minimizing force application during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve seal self-regulates its sealing force based on the pressure differential across the valve. At low pressures, minimal force is applied maintaining efficiency; at high pressures, the seal automatically engages with greater force to maintain sealing capability.
3Reliability
If close fit valve seals are used to reduce leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on tight dimensional tolerances to achieve sealing, the invention changes the approach by using pressure differential to dynamically adjust sealing force. This allows for more relaxed manufacturing tolerances while maintaining sealing performance, reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve uses the fluid pressure itself to achieve and maintain the seal, rather than relying on precision-manufactured close fits. This self-energizing approach compensates for manufacturing variations and reduces the need for expensive tight tolerances.
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 bi-directional self-energizing valves achieve efficient sealing with low energy consumption, capable of handling high pressures, and are cost-effective, making them suitable for various fluid systems including medical devices and pumps.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure differential forces the valve closing member into the valve seal to self-energize the seal into a closed position
Implementation Method 2
the Bernoulli effect quickly closes the valve with low system energy even against a pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
A self-energizing valve includes a valve body defining an inner chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A valve head within the inner chamber is moveable between a first position and a second position. A valve seal in fluid communication with the inlet has a sealing surface with a sealing member between the valve head and the valve seal. The sealing member is movable between a closed position where the sealing member engages with the sealing surface and an open position where the sealing member disengages from the sealing surface to allow flow through the inlet into the inner chamber. A cam is coupled to the valve head. Rotation of the cam causes movement of the valve head between the first position and the second position to move the valve head to the first position to hold the sealing member in the closed position.