Switching Valve Air Bleeding Flow Path Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of liquid feed pumps for flow type analysis is hindered by the need for sufficient air release volume, which is difficult with small plunger volumes, and the requirement for a drain valve to secure a drain flow path for air bleeding, limiting the size reduction of the analysis apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A switching valve that allows air bleeding from the liquid feed pump without relying on plunger strokes, using a measuring pump to draw and discharge carrier liquid and create a drain flow path, eliminating the need for a drain valve by switching between flow paths via an arc-like second in-valve flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the plunger volume is reduced to miniaturize the liquid feed pump, then the size of the flow type analysis apparatus is reduced, but the air cannot be sufficiently released from the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a separate air bleeding mechanism that operates independently from the plunger pump's main function. The switching valve creates a dedicated air bleeding flow path that separates the air removal function from the liquid feeding function, allowing the plunger volume to be reduced without compromising air release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve acts as an intermediary device that directs carrier liquid through a specific flow path to bleed air from the pump. This intermediary mechanism enables air removal without requiring the plunger to provide sufficient volume for direct air bleeding, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and air release efficiency.
2Reliability
If a drain valve is installed to secure a drain flow path for air bleeding, then air can be released from the pump, but the size of the flow type analysis apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the air bleeding function with the existing switching valve that controls the analysis flow paths. By utilizing the switching valve's existing structure and flow path switching capability, the drain flow path is created without adding a separate drain valve, thus maintaining compact apparatus size while ensuring air bleeding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve performs multiple functions: it controls the analysis flow paths during normal operation and simultaneously creates the drain flow path for air bleeding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated drain valve, reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining air release capability.
3Volume of moving object
If the volume corresponding to one stroke of the plunger is less than the volume of the liquid contact portion of the check valve, then the pump size is reduced, but back current occurs due to entrained air
Solution Approach 1:
The air bleeding mechanism operates before normal liquid feeding begins, removing air from the pump and flow paths in advance. By performing this preliminary air removal action, the system prevents air entrapment that would otherwise cause back current during subsequent low-volume plunger operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of air entrapment (which would cause back current) into a controlled process by providing a dedicated air bleeding path. The switching valve directs carrier liquid to intentionally flush air from the system, transforming the air presence from a harmful factor into a manageable condition that can be systematically removed.
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 effective air bleeding and liquid feeding even with small plunger pumps, reducing the size of the analysis apparatus by eliminating the need for a drain valve and allowing for efficient operation without backflow issues.
Implementation Method 1
a switching valve which switches a flow path by opening and closing a flow path brought into communication via an arc-like second in-valve flow path when a position of connection between a center pipe connection port and a first in-valve flow path is switched
Implementation Method 2
using a measuring pump to draw and discharge carrier liquid and create a drain flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided is a switching valve including the following (A) to (C): (A) a rotor including the following (1) to (3): (1) a center pipe connection port, (2) a first in-valve flow path in communication with the center pipe connection port, and (3) an arc-like second in-valve flow path; (B) a stator including the following (4) and (5): (4) a first pipe connection port group which is brought into communication independently with the center pipe connection port via the first in-valve flow path when the rotor is turned, and (5) a second pipe connection port group which is brought into mutual communication via the second in-valve flow path when the rotor is turned; and (C) an arrangement of the rotor and the stator which satisfies the following relationship: the state of communication or non-communication among the second pipe connection port group via the second in-valve flow path is switched in accordance with the state of communication between the first pipe connection port group and the center pipe connection port.