Valve Adapter Layout for Larger Valves in Tight Pipe Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves often need to be replaced with larger models, which can be difficult to integrate into existing piping systems due to space constraints, requiring expensive custom-made products and additional certifications, especially in industries like the food industry where specific certifications are necessary.
Innovation Solution
An adapter unit with line-side connections pointing away from each other and lying on one axis allows for the connection of a valve to line ends without needing the valve to be between the line ends, using multiple adapter elements with sealing elements and angled channel sections for secure and efficient fluid flow, and can be easily attached to existing valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger valve model is used to replace an existing valve, then the valve performance is improved, but the valve cannot be integrated into the existing piping system due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter unit is divided into multiple adapter elements (first adapter element, second adapter element) that can be separately attached to different sides of the valve. This segmentation allows the adapter to bridge the gap between the valve and existing pipe ends, enabling integration of larger valves into constrained spaces without requiring custom-made products.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit acts as an intermediary component between the larger valve and the existing piping system. By introducing this intermediate adapter structure, the patent enables connection between components with different spatial requirements, allowing certified valves to be used without additional certifications or custom developments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made products or new developments are created to fit larger valves into existing systems, then the space constraint problem is solved, but expensive custom-made products and additional certifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter unit is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various valve configurations and connected to standard pipe ends. The adapter elements can be screwed onto different sides of the valve housing, providing multiple connection options without requiring custom-made solutions. This multi-functionality allows existing certified valves and adapters to be used in various configurations, eliminating the need for expensive custom developments and additional certifications.
3Ease of operation
If traditional adapter elements are used to connect valve to line ends, then connection is possible, but the line ends must be positioned far apart to accommodate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter unit utilizes three-dimensional space by extending adapter elements in different directions from the valve housing. The first adapter element extends in one direction while the second adapter element extends in another direction, allowing line ends to be positioned closer together by utilizing spatial dimensions rather than requiring linear distance. This dimensional approach enables compact integration while maintaining proper connection capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Adapter unit (AE) for connecting a valve (11) with two valve ports (Va, Vb) arranged side by side on one side of the valve to the line ends (20a, 20b) of a line (20), wherein the adapter unit (AE) has at least one adapter element (12a, 12b), wherein the adapter unit has two valve-side ports (13a, 13b) for connection to the valve ports (Va, Vb) and two line-side ports (14a, 14b) for connection to the line ends (20a, 20b), wherein the two valve-side ports (13a, 13b) are connected to the line-side ports (14a, 14b) via channels (16a) extending within the at least one adapter element (12a, 12b), characterized in that the line-side ports (14a, 14b) point away from each other and are located on an axis (AX). lay.