Valve and actuator assembly with improved coupling features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-way and six-way ball valves face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow between multiple supplies and returns due to restricted flow passages, which can lead to increased pressure drops and require larger valve members, making them unsuitable for space-limited applications.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a six-way valve assembly with an elongated flow passage that increases the cross-sectional area without enlarging the valve member, utilizing a single actuator to control fluid flow between multiple ports, and incorporates keying features and indicator labels for correct orientation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional three-way and six-way ball valves are used to control fluid flow between multiple supplies and returns, then the valve can regulate fluid flow, but the restricted flow passages lead to increased pressure drops and require larger valve members
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple independent ports (first supply port, second supply port, first return port, second return port) with a centralized valve chamber, allowing separate fluid pathways that optimize flow characteristics for each connection while maintaining compact overall valve member dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage configuration utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the valve chamber, with ports positioned at different locations and angles to create optimized flow paths that reduce pressure drops without requiring larger valve member size
2Quantity of substance
If larger valve members are used to accommodate multiple fluid supplies and returns, then the flow passage capacity increases, but the valve becomes unsuitable for space-limited applications
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid supply and return pathways are merged into a single integrated valve member with a centralized valve chamber, allowing the valve to handle multiple fluid streams simultaneously while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for space-limited applications
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed as a multi-functional component that can control fluid flow between multiple supplies and returns through a single actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves or larger valve members
3Reliability
If the valve assembly is oriented incorrectly relative to the actuator, then the keying features prevent proper operation, but additional features are needed to ensure correct installation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem and actuator drive shaft incorporate asymmetric keying features (protrusion and corresponding recess) that physically prevent incorrect orientation, ensuring the valve assembly can only be installed in the correct rotational position relative to the actuator
Solution Approach 2:
Indicator labels with distinct colors (red and blue) are applied to the actuator and valve assembly to provide visual confirmation of correct orientation and to identify the location of different fluid supplies, aiding proper installation and operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for controlling fluid flow is provided. The system includes a valve assembly, an actuator, a controller, and a pointer arm. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve chamber and multiple ports into the valve chamber, a valve member controllably movable relative to the valve body and configured to modulate fluid flow through the valve assembly, and a valve stem coupled to the valve member and including a first keying feature. The actuator includes a second keying feature and is configured to controllably rotate the valve member relative to the valve body. The controller is configured to operate the actuator to switch between multiple fluid supplies or multiple fluid returns. The pointer arm is coupled to the actuator via a gear mechanism and is configured to indicate an orientation of the valve member. The first keying feature and the second keying feature are configured to align the valve assembly relative to the actuator.