Spring-Loaded Ball Valve Sealing for Leak-Proof Smooth Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball valves face issues with leakage due to gasket wear and require time-consuming assembly adjustments, as the locking position of the tightening bolt affects the tightness and smooth rotation of the valve, leading to unstable gasket contact and potential deflection.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve structure featuring a valve ball with two gaskets in close contact, where one gasket is elastically pressed by a compression spring and washer, maintaining contact even with wear and providing a stable, leak-proof operation, and allowing for smooth rotation without frequent tightening bolt adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tightening bolt is used to abut against the gasket to maintain close contact with the valve ball, then the leakproof effect is improved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and troublesome due to repeated rotation and locking adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring automatically maintains the gasket against the valve ball surface through elastic force, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the tightening bolt. The system self-regulates the gasket contact pressure, making the assembly process simpler and faster while maintaining the leakproof effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of gasket contact pressure from a fixed mechanical constraint (tightening bolt) to a dynamic elastic force (compression spring). This allows the gasket to maintain optimal contact pressure automatically, reducing assembly complexity and time while ensuring reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If the tightening bolt is locked excessively to ensure tightness, then the leakproof effect is improved, but the valve ball cannot rotate smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring provides a dynamic elastic force that automatically adjusts to maintain optimal gasket contact pressure. This dynamic mechanism ensures the gasket remains tightly sealed while allowing the valve ball to rotate smoothly, eliminating the need for excessive tightening that would impede rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member self-regulates the contact pressure between the gasket and valve ball, maintaining appropriate tightness automatically. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment and excessive locking, ensuring both tightness and smooth rotation without interference.
3Reliability
If elastic members in the form of buckle rings are used to press the gaskets, then the gaskets are kept in close contact with the valve ball, but the gaskets become displaceable and unstable causing excessive deflection and shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressing function into two independent components: the compression spring provides elastic pressing force, while the washer provides positional constraint and stability. This segmentation prevents the gasket from being displaceable and unstable, eliminating excessive deflection and shaking while maintaining close contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer acts as an intermediary between the compression spring and the gasket, providing a stable mounting surface and constraint. This intermediary component prevents the gasket from becoming displaceable and unstable, ensuring proper positioning and eliminating excessive deflection during valve ball rotation.
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 solution ensures a leak-proof high-pressure operation, prolongs the valve's service life, and simplifies the assembly process by maintaining gasket contact and preventing deflection, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring held against the washer so that the first gasket is elastically pressed against a surface of the valve ball
Data Source
AI summary
A ball valve structure includes a valve body having a valve chamber therein. A valve ball is accommodated in the valve chamber. The valve ball defines a flow hole therein. Two gaskets are in close contact with two opposite side surfaces of the valve ball, so that the valve ball can rotate around a fixed point in the valve chamber. One side of one of the two gaskets abuts against a washer and a compression spring, so that the gasket is elastically pressed against a surface of the valve ball. A valve stem is connected to the valve ball through the valve body for driving the valve ball to rotate, enabling the flow hole to be opened.