Spherical Valve Filter Assembly for Flexible Piping Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering assemblies with flow shutoff valves lack flexibility in installation and orientation compatibility with fluidic systems having varying space and piping configurations.
Innovation Solution
A filtering group comprising a ball valve with a connection structure featuring two alternatively usable input couplings and an integrated flow shutoff mechanism, allowing installation in systems with different piping orientations and space conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ball valve with fixed threaded connections is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the installation flexibility and adaptability to different piping orientations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve body is designed with multiple threaded connections (first inlet, second inlet, outlet) that can serve different functions depending on installation needs. Any of the threaded connections can function as inlet or outlet, allowing the same valve to adapt to various piping orientations and space configurations without requiring different valve models.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball shutter mechanism enables dynamic flow control by rotating to different positions. The valve can switch between different flow paths (first inlet to outlet, second inlet to outlet) and includes a central positioning feature that allows the ball to be held in intermediate positions, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ball valve with multiple threaded connections is provided, then installation flexibility is improved, but the risk of fluid leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing mechanisms are combined within the valve structure: sealing elements between the ball shutter and valve body, sealing between the bushing and valve body, and sealing at the threaded connections. This multi-layer sealing approach ensures that even with multiple openings, fluid tightness is maintained through redundant sealing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
A bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the first threaded connection and the ball shutter. This bushing provides an additional sealing interface and mechanical support, reducing the risk of leaks at the critical interface between the inlet connection and the ball valve plug.
3Volume of moving object
If the ball valve is integrated with the filtering assembly, then the device compactness is improved, but the complexity of maintaining and servicing the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering assembly is designed as a separable component that can be independently removed from the valve body. The magnetic filter element is housed in a separate container that can be accessed and maintained without disassembling the entire valve, allowing segmented maintenance of different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve is integrated within the filtering group structure, with the ball shutter and threaded connections incorporated into the filter housing. This extraction of the valve function into the filter assembly creates a compact integrated unit while maintaining the ability to service each component through dedicated access points.
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
Enables flexible installation and operation in diverse fluidic systems, ensuring effective filtration and maintenance without fluid leaks, while maintaining compactness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a ball valve (32), which is received in the connection structure (3) and comprises a spherical shutter (34)
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic filter element (10), which is accommodated in a housing (9) provided in the filter body (2) and comprises at least one permanent magnet (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering group comprising a connection structure having a first input coupling in communication with an input conduit and an output coupling in communication with an output conduit. Further comprising a filter body connected to the connection structure and in fluid communication with the output coupling, and a ball valve housed in the connection structure and configured to assume a first position defined as when the first input coupling is placed in fluid communication with the filter body and a second position defined as when fluid communication between the first input coupling and the filter body is interdicted. The connection structure also includes a second input coupling in communication with the supply line as an alternative to the first input coupling and oriented, with respect to the output coupling, differently from the first input coupling.