3D Tortuous-Path Ball Valve for Noise-Reducing Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a flow control element that can achieve desired flow characteristics in a rotary valve utilizing a rotary closure element, as existing linear valve arrangements, despite providing noise reduction, are not suitable for all applications.
Innovation Solution
A ball-type valve body with a spherical outer surface and multiple flow control passageways that can transition between closed, restricted, and free flow positions through rotation, allowing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, with the passageways configured to provide varying degrees of pressure attenuation as the valve opens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a linear valve arrangement with impedance assembly is used, then noise reduction is achieved, but the valve cannot be used in applications requiring rotary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple flow control passageways (first, second, third passageways) that can be independently aligned with the inlet and outlet during rotation. This segmentation allows the rotary valve to provide different flow control functions (noise reduction, restricted flow, free flow) at different rotational positions, combining the benefits of linear impedance valves with rotary operation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary closure element is used, then rotary operation is enabled, but achieving desired flow characteristics and pressure attenuation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each flow control passageway is designed with specific local geometric characteristics (cross-sectional area, length, curvature) that provide different flow resistance characteristics. The first passageway has characteristics optimized for noise reduction, while other passageways provide restricted or free flow paths. This local quality differentiation enables precise flow control at different rotational positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body rotates dynamically between different positions to change which passageways are aligned with the inlet and outlet. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same rotary valve to provide multiple flow control functions (noise reduction, restricted flow, free flow) by simply changing the rotational position, achieving adaptability without complex additional components.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple flow control passageways are integrated in a rotary valve, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow control passageways with different functions are merged into a single integrated valve body structure. The first, second, and third passageways are all formed within the same rotary valve body, eliminating the need for separate linear impedance assemblies and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise flow control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve body serves multiple functions through its different rotational positions: it can provide noise reduction (when first passageway is aligned), restricted flow (when second passageway is aligned), and free flow (when third passageway is aligned). This multi-functionality in a single component reduces device complexity compared to using multiple separate valves or assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve body, for use in a valve housing having an inlet and outlet, includes a spherical outer surface. A flow opening extends diametrically from one side of the outer surface to an opposing side. A plurality of flow control passageways extend from the outer surface into the valve body. The valve body is moveable relative to the valve housing between a closed position, a restricted flow position, and a free flow position. In the closed position, the flow opening and all of the plurality of flow control passageways are out of alignment with the inlet and outlet. In the restricted flow position, at least one flow control passageway is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween. In the free flow position, the flow opening is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween.