Shut-off Valve Spherical Segment Drainage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shut-off valves with integrated drainage valves face issues of incomplete drainage due to fluid residues accumulating in 'dead spaces', leading to freezing and health-related problems, and require larger dimensions to accommodate drainage functions.
Innovation Solution
A shut-off valve design featuring a single spherical segment shut-off body that completely blocks one flow path, allowing for unhindered drainage through an integrated hollow spindle within the switching shaft, eliminating additional shut-off sections that could obstruct fluid flow and reduce the risk of residue accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shut-off bodies with multiple shut-off sections are used, then the flow path is blocked in the closed position, but fluid residues accumulate in dead spaces causing incomplete drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the shut-off body into a spherical segment shape that segments the flow path geometry, creating no dead spaces where fluid can accumulate. The spherical segment design ensures complete drainage by eliminating recesses and corners typical of conventional multi-section shut-off bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple shut-off sections as in conventional valves, the invention uses a single inverted approach where the spherical segment shape itself prevents residue accumulation. The drainage channel is positioned to flow along the spherical surface, inverting the conventional approach of having drainage holes through solid sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integrated drainage valves are added to shut-off valves, then drainage function is provided, but the dimensions of the housing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the drainage valve function directly into the switching shaft by forming the drainage channel within the switching shaft itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate drainage valve components and reduces housing dimensions while providing complete drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching shaft is given multiple functions: it serves both as the actuation mechanism for the shut-off body and as the drainage channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drainage components, maintaining compact dimensions while providing drainage capability.
3Reliability
If conventional drainage channels are provided through solid shut-off sections, then drainage is possible, but the flow path is partially blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a spherical segment shape for the shut-off body and positions the drainage channel to flow along the curved spherical surface. This curvature eliminates dead spaces and ensures complete fluid flow, preventing residue accumulation while maintaining open flow path efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channel is positioned locally along the spherical surface of the shut-off body, allowing drainage to occur along the curved surface rather than through solid sections. This local positioning maintains open flow path efficiency while providing drainage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A shut-off valve for the plumbing sector for shutting off a line through which a fluid can flow that preferably includes a housing having at least two connecting pieces. A flow path is defined from one of the connecting pieces through the housing to another of the connecting pieces, and a shut-off body is disposed rotatably in the housing with a single shut-off section running crosswise to the flow path. Preferably, the shut-off segment is constituted as a spherical segment, and the shut-off body can be moved between a closed position in which the flow path is completely blocked to only one of the connecting pieces and an open position in which the flow path is completely clear. A switching shaft which is rotatably mounted in the housing and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner at its one end to the shut-off body.