V-Shaped Valve Plate Geometry for Low-Turbulence Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art valve plates in gas compressors suffer from turbulence in gas flow, which affects performance and efficiency due to high operation rates.
Innovation Solution
A valve plate design featuring concentric rings with sloped surfaces forming a 'V' shape and V-shaped webs, reducing turbulence and promoting laminar gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional valve plate designs with concentric rings are used, then the valve plate can regulate gas flow, but turbulence occurs in the gas flow which reduces performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different geometric characteristics to different parts of the valve plate. Specifically, the rings have varying radial widths and the spaces between rings have specific dimensional relationships (where a is the radial width of a ring and b is the space between rings, with a ≥ b). This localized geometric optimization reduces turbulence in specific flow regions while maintaining overall gas flow regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the valve plate structure to eliminate turbulence. The key parameter changes include: setting the radial width of rings relative to the spacing between rings (a ≥ b), creating varying ring widths rather than uniform widths, and positioning ring elements at specific radial distances from the center. These parameter adjustments transform the flow characteristics from turbulent to laminar, improving gas flow efficiency.
2Productivity
If high operation rates are used in gas compressors, then productivity increases, but turbulence in gas flow through the valve plate worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses high-speed operation turbulence by optimizing local flow paths through asymmetric ring designs. The rings have different radial widths and are positioned at specific distances from the center, creating localized flow guidance that prevents turbulence even at high operation rates. This local geometric optimization ensures smooth gas flow transition during rapid opening and closing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent considers dynamic operation conditions by designing the valve plate geometry to accommodate high-speed opening and closing. The varying ring widths and spaced configuration allow the structure to handle rapid flow changes without generating turbulence, making the valve plate suitable for high operation rate compressors where dynamic flow conditions prevail.
Data Source
AI summary
The present apparatus is a plate valve comprising a plurality of rings with openings therebetween. The rings are coupled together via radial webs. The cross sectional profile of each ring comprises a body having a width that tapers and an upper surface that comprises two sloping planes joining at a point. This results in an inverted V shape of the surface of each ring. This V shape allows reduced turbulence of gas or fluid during operation (e.g., when the plate valve is open).