Self-Resetting Shut-Off Valve with Integrated Piston Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off valves are cumbersome and costly due to their complex components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified shut-off valve design that automatically activates in abnormal flow conditions, utilizing a piston mechanism and elastic return means to switch between opening and closing configurations, with a mechanical chronometer or spring control for precise fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shut-off valve components are used, then reliable fluid interception is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control element and reset device into a single integrated mechanism. The control element automatically activates the shutter upon detecting abnormal flow, while the same control element automatically resets after flow interruption, eliminating the need for separate control and reset components. This consolidation directly reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid interception through the unified automatic control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element serves multiple functions: it detects abnormal flow conditions, activates the shutter to intercept fluid, monitors flow interruption, and automatically resets the shutter. By making the control element multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate control devices and reset mechanisms, thereby reducing the number of components and overall device complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple control components are used, then precise flow control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control element that can precisely detect flow conditions and control shutter activation. This single integrated component maintains precise flow control capability while significantly reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs without sacrificing control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element automatically performs all control operations including detection, activation, monitoring, and reset functions without requiring additional control components or manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, making the valve more economical to manufacture while maintaining precise flow control through the intelligent control element.
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 provides reliable and economical operation by automatically responding to abnormal flows, reducing complexity and costs while ensuring effective fluid control.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (410) movable between a first position in which the opening (3) is in a closed configuration and a second position in which the opening (3) is in an open configuration
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element (5) arranged at the piston (410) and configured to switch the piston (410) from the second position to the first position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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).