Shock Valve Flow Path Layout for Low-Noise Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shock-valves produce considerable noise during operation due to the even number of flow paths, which causes disturbances.
Innovation Solution
The shock-valve design features an odd number of flow paths, with bores in the valve seat element forming channels that direct fluid flow into a central cavity, allowing the valve element to move away from the seat when pressure exceeds a threshold, and then return, utilizing a biasing mechanism to minimize noise by ensuring laminar flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an even number of flow paths is used in the shock-valve, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but the fluid flow creates considerable noise during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the conventional even number of flow paths to an odd number (3, 5, or 7). This asymmetric configuration prevents direct fluid interactions between opposite flow paths, as there is no directly opposite flow path in an odd-numbered arrangement. The asymmetric flow path arrangement promotes laminar flow patterns and significantly reduces noise generation during valve operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the valve seat section is formed integrally with the housing, then manufacturing is simplified, but design flexibility of the valve seat and flow paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the valve seat section from the housing into distinct components. The valve seat element can be independently designed and manufactured with optimized flow path configurations, then assembled into the housing. This segmentation provides greater design flexibility for optimizing flow paths and valve seat geometry while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.
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 odd number of flow paths significantly reduces noise by preventing direct fluid interactions, promoting a laminar flow pattern that minimizes noise production.
Implementation Method 1
biasing means acting on the valve element in a direction towards the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a pressure of the fluid in the cavity acts on the valve element and when a force onto the valve element exceeds a force produced by the biasing means, the valve element is moved away from the valve seat
Implementation Method 3
The channel arrangement forms an odd number of flow paths larger than two... promotes a laminar flow pattern that minimizes noise production
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
A shock-valve (1) comprising a housing (2) having an inlet (3) connected to a chamber (4) and an outlet, a valve seat section having a valve seat (12) and being arranged in the housing (12), a valve element (7) cooperating with the valve seat (12), and biasing means (8) acting on the valve element (7) in a direction towards the valve seat (12) is described, wherein a channel arrangement extends from the chamber (4) to the valve seat (12). Such a shock-valve should have a low noise during operation. To this end the channel arrangement forms an odd number of flow paths larger than two.