Shut-Off Valve Contact Surface Layout for Compact Vacuum Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shut-off valves are difficult to miniaturize due to the configuration of the contact surface at the end of the shaft, which limits their size and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The contact surface of the valve body is disposed on the second opening side of the first end of the valve body shaft, allowing for a shorter distance between the contact surface and the opposite end, enabling a smaller housing size and smoother movement of the valve body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the contact surface is disposed at the end of the shaft, then the valve body can be positioned to ensure proper sealing, but the housing size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is repositioned from the axial end of the shaft to a location on the shaft's lateral surface, changing the spatial dimension of the contact interface. This dimensional shift allows the valve body to be more compact while maintaining the necessary sealing function, as the contact surface can now be positioned closer to the housing without compromising the sealing path.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the contact surface at the conventional axial end of the shaft, the invention inverts this arrangement by placing the contact surface on the lateral surface of the shaft. This inverted configuration enables the valve body to be shortened in the axial direction, thereby reducing the overall housing volume while preserving sealing effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the contact surface is disposed at the end of the shaft, then the valve structure is simplified, but the valve body creates resistance during movement due to gravitational effects
Solution Approach 1:
The repositioning of the contact surface on the lateral surface of the shaft creates a more balanced weight distribution in the valve body. This configuration acts as a counterbalancing arrangement that reduces the gravitational torque on the moving valve body, thereby minimizing resistance during opening and closing operations and improving ease of movement.
3Volume of moving object
If the contact surface is disposed at the end of the shaft, then the sealing function is maintained, but the distance from the contact surface to the opposite end increases housing size
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the contact surface from the axial end to the lateral surface of the shaft, the sealing function is maintained through a different geometric arrangement. The contact surface on the lateral surface can still effectively seal against the housing bore, allowing the valve body to be positioned closer to the housing and reducing the required housing volume while preserving sealing reliability.
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
This configuration allows for a more compact shut-off valve design that maintains efficient conductance and prevents resistance during movement, facilitating integration into existing vacuum systems without requiring significant design changes.
Implementation Method 1
the valve body moves in a first direction from the second opening toward the first opening due to the pressure of gas flowing from the second opening toward the first opening
Data Source
AI summary
A shut-off valve includes a valve seat disposed between a first opening and a second opening, and a valve body disposed on the second opening side of the valve seat and configured to move in a first direction from the second opening toward the first opening due to pressure of gas flowing from the second opening toward the first opening. The valve body has a valve body shaft extending in the first direction, and a contact surface configured to contact the valve seat when the valve body moves in the first direction. The contact surface is disposed on the second opening side of a first end on the first direction side of the valve body shaft.