Supplemental Valve Sleeve for Larger Bore and Flow Retuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves are typically designed for specific applications and cannot be easily adapted or used in different operating conditions or larger bore sizes without requiring a complete redesign, limiting their versatility and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a supplemental sleeve that can be inserted into a housing to accommodate an existing valve assembly, allowing for modification of the valve's characteristics such as flow, pressure, and timing by adjusting the relative sizes of the windows, enabling the valve to function in new applications or within larger bore sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a valve is designed for a specific application with fixed windows, then the valve achieves optimal performance for that application, but the valve cannot be easily adapted to different applications or larger bore sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a supplemental sleeve inside the existing valve sleeve. The supplemental sleeve contains additional windows that can communicate with inlet/outlet ports, while the original sleeve and piston remain intact. This nested structure allows the valve to maintain its original function while gaining new flow paths and characteristics without requiring a complete redesign of the valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental sleeve serves multiple functions: it modifies flow characteristics by providing additional windows, adapts the valve to larger bore sizes, and enables the same valve assembly to be used across different applications. By making the supplemental sleeve a separate, interchangeable component, the system achieves multi-functionality while keeping the base valve design universal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a valve is redesigned for a larger bore size, then the valve fits the larger application, but the original valve design is discarded and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental sleeve is nested within the existing sleeve, allowing the original valve components (piston, spring, original windows) to be retained and reused. The supplemental sleeve simply adds to the existing structure, enabling the same valve assembly to function in both the original and larger bore applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve sleeve is segmented into two functional parts: the original sleeve with its original windows, and the supplemental sleeve with additional windows. This segmentation allows each part to serve its purpose independently while working together as a unified system, preserving the original valve while adding new capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the window sizes in the valve sleeve are changed to modify flow characteristics, then the valve performance is optimized for new conditions, but the valve can no longer be used in its original application
Solution Approach 1:
The window system is segmented into original windows in the first sleeve and supplemental windows in the second sleeve. This allows independent configuration of each window set, enabling flexible modification of flow characteristics by selecting which windows to open or close without affecting the structural integrity of the original valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental sleeve with additional windows is nested inside the original sleeve, allowing the valve to access both original and supplemental windows. This nested window system provides multiple flow path configurations that can be selected based on application requirements, maintaining flexibility while preserving the original valve architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
A method of modifying an existing valve assembly (202) has the step of placing a supplemental sleeve (100) within a housing (250). The housing has a housing inlet window and a housing outlet window, and the supplemental sleeve has a sleeve inlet window and a sleeve outlet window. The method includes the step of placing an existing piston (50)/sleeve(30) set within the supplemental sleeve. A spool valve is also disclosed.