Self-Resetting Shut-Off Valve With Integrated Flow Trip Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off valves for liquid and gaseous fluids are cumbersome and costly due to their numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A self-resetting shut-off valve with a simplified design comprising a first and second chamber, adjustment means, elastic return means, and a closing element, which automatically switches to a closing configuration when a predetermined fluid flow is maintained, and can be manually reset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shut-off valve designs are used, then safety function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated valve body structure. The control element, shutter element, and reset mechanism are integrated within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate external control devices and reset mechanisms. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining the safety shutdown function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the housing, the flow control chamber, the actuator mounting structure, and the reset mechanism guide. The single valve body design performs what traditionally required multiple separate components, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional shut-off valve designs are used, then safety function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single valve body, the patent reduces assembly steps, fasteners, and sealing interfaces. This integration simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces material requirements, and lowers assembly labor costs while maintaining the safety shutdown function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual indicators (color-coded elements or markings) to show valve status and operational state. This eliminates the need for complex electronic sensors, displays, or diagnostic systems, providing cost-effective status monitoring while maintaining safety functionality.
3Reliability
If automatic shutdown is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element automatically detects abnormal flow conditions and triggers the shutter closure without external intervention. The valve self-regulates based on flow characteristics, eliminating the need for complex external control systems, sensors, or electronic circuits while maintaining automatic shutdown capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or pneumatic control systems with a simple mechanical flow-sensitive mechanism. The control element responds directly to flow conditions through mechanical means, achieving automatic shutdown with minimal complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual reset capability is added, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset function is extracted as a simple manual operation on the valve body itself, rather than requiring a separate reset device or system. The reset mechanism is integrated into the basic valve structure, allowing manual operation without adding complex external components.
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 valve effectively intercepts fluid flow in the event of abnormal conditions while reducing complexity and cost by minimizing components, ensuring efficient operation and easy manual reset.
Implementation Method 1
a closing element (6) movable in the first chamber (1) and arranged sealingly at the opening (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A shut-off valve (100) comprises a first chamber (1) and a second chamber (2) in fluid communication, an opening (3) connecting the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2). The valve (100) comprises adjustment means (41, 42, 43) that can be switched between a closing and an opening configuration. The adjustment means (41, 42, 43) comprise: a first adjustment portion (41), a second adjustment portion (42) connected to the first adjustment portion (41), elastic return means (5) arranged at least at the first adjustment portion (41), an intermediate adjustment portion (43), connected to the first adjustment portion (41). The valve (100) further comprises a closing element (6) configured to be sealingly arranged at the opening (3) and to interrupt fluid communication between the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2), and a switch (7) activatable by said second adjustment portion (42), connected to the closing element (6) and configured to prevent or allow translation of said closing element (6).