Vacuum Valve Layout With External Sub-Valve Seat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum valves with a main valve disc and a sub-valve disc have a complex structure and increased size due to the sub-valve seat being accommodated inside the main valve disc, leading to structural complexity and size issues.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum valve design features a sub-valve seat located outside the main valve disc, with a separable rod system allowing the sub-valve disc to operate independently, reducing the size and complexity by separating the main valve disc from the rod and using a fluid-pressure cylinder for opening and closing the flow channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sub-valve seat is accommodated inside the main valve disc, then the sub-valve can be integrated with the main valve, but the size of the main valve disc increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into two independent parts: the main valve disc for the main flow channel and the sub-valve disc for the sub-flow channel. Each valve disc operates independently with its own valve seat, eliminating the need to accommodate the sub-valve seat inside the main valve disc. This segmentation reduces the size and structural complexity of the main valve disc while maintaining the functionality of both valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-valve seat is extracted from the main valve disc and positioned separately. The sub-valve disc is disposed outside the main valve disc, with the sub-valve seat positioned outside the main valve disc as well. This extraction removes the constraint that forced the sub-valve components to be housed within the main valve disc, thereby reducing its size and simplifying its structure.
2Ease of operation
If the sub-valve disc is accommodated inside the main valve disc, then both valves can be controlled by a single mechanism, but the main valve disc size increases and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent rod systems: a first rod connected to the main valve disc and a second rod connected to the sub-valve disc. Each rod can be operated independently to control its respective valve, providing ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of integrating one valve inside the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging the valves in a nested configuration (one inside the other along the same dimension), the invention positions the sub-valve disc outside the main valve disc in a different spatial arrangement. This dimensional repositioning allows both valves to be controlled separately without increasing the complexity of the main valve disc structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the sub-valve seat is provided inside the main valve disc, then the valve compactness is improved, but the size of the main valve disc increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into separate main valve and sub-valve components, each with their own disc and seat. This segmentation allows the sub-valve components to be positioned outside the main valve disc, preventing the main valve disc from increasing in size to accommodate the sub-valve seat, while the overall valve assembly remains compact through proper spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the sub-valve seat inside the main valve disc (conventional approach), the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning the sub-valve seat outside the main valve disc. This inversion eliminates the need for the main valve disc to expand in size, as the sub-valve components are housed in a separate external structure.
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
This design simplifies the structure and reduces the size of the vacuum valve while maintaining functionality, allowing for easier maintenance and adjustment of the sub-valve disc's opening degree.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-pressure cylinder and a piston coupled to the rod; when pressure fluid is supplied to a first pressure chamber formed on one side of the piston, the piston and the rod advance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vacuum valve includes a main flow channel (17) that connects a first port (15) and a second port (16); a main valve seat (19) that surrounds the main flow channel; a main valve disc (20) that opens and closes the main flow channel by contacting and separating from the main valve seat; a sub-flow channel (21) that is formed inside the main valve disc; a sub-valve seat (24) that is formed on an outer surface of the main valve disc; a sub-valve disc (25) that opens and closes the sub-flow channel by contacting and separating from the sub-valve seat at a position outside the main valve disc; and a rod (35) that causes the main valve disc and the sub-valve disc to open and close. The sub-valve disc opens and closes the sub-flow channel by being operated directly by the rod, and the main valve disc opens and closes the main flow channel by being operated via the sub-valve disc by the rod. This vacuum valve has a reduced size and simplified structure.