Single-valve Bypass Meter Bar for Uninterrupted Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid meter bypass systems often disrupt fluid supply, leading to device inoperability or damage due to limited flow, and require complex external components and sequential valve operations, which can result in incorrect fluid distribution during meter servicing or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A meter connector with a rotatable spherical valve that moves between metering, bypass, and shutoff positions, allowing for uninterrupted fluid flow during meter servicing by connecting fluid passages within the meter bar, and includes intermediate positions for fluid maintenance and locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional bypass systems are used to service meters, then meter servicing can be performed, but fluid supply is disrupted and devices may be starved of required fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass functionality is merged with the meter connector by integrating the bypass passage and valve directly into the connector body. This allows the bypass system to be activated without removing the connector from the service line, maintaining fluid supply continuity while enabling meter servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass passage is pre-configured within the connector body during manufacturing. When meter servicing is needed, the valve is simply rotated to activate the bypass function without requiring installation of external components or complex sequential operations, ensuring immediate fluid supply continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temporary bypass systems are used, then meter replacement is enabled, but fluid supply is limited and devices may become inoperable or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass system is permanently integrated into the connector design rather than being a temporary external addition. The bypass passage is formed as an integral part of the connector body, ensuring adequate fluid supply capacity that matches the original service line capacity, preventing device damage from flow limitation.
3Ease of operation
If external components are used in bypass systems, then bypass functionality is achieved, but installation complexity increases and components must be brought to site
Solution Approach 1:
All bypass components including the bypass passage, valve, and connecting elements are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. This eliminates the need for multiple external components and complex installation procedures, reducing installation complexity while maintaining full bypass functionality.
4Ease of operation
If multiple valves with sequential operations are used, then bypass mode can be achieved, but operational complexity increases and incorrect operation may starve service of fluids
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single rotatable valve mechanism within the connector. Rotating the valve to different positions simultaneously controls both the bypass passage and meter passage, eliminating the need for sequential operations of multiple valves and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotatable valve performs multiple functions by controlling different passages based on its rotational position. It can simultaneously open the bypass passage while closing the meter passage, or open both passages during intermediate positions, providing universal control for all bypass operations without requiring multiple specialized valves.
Data Source
AI summary
A meter connector connecting a flow meter to a fluid line, including a meter bar with a spherical central void and fluid passages between the void and meter inlet and outlet ports and service inlet and outlet ports. A spherical valve is rotatable within the void to selectively block openings into the void and open openings into the void to selectively connect fluid passages via passages in the valve whereby rotation of the valve moves between a metering position, a bypass position, and a shutoff position.