Valve Assembly Without Spool Pipe for Flow Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve assemblies in pressure booster systems for high-rise buildings experience instability and reduced flow efficiency due to the use of valve stems and spool pipes, which cause friction loss and misalignment issues when handling variable fluid flow rates from pumps with variable frequency drives.
Innovation Solution
A wafer style check valve assembly is designed with a poppet and guide legs instead of a valve stem, and a butterfly valve that operates independently without a spacer or spool pipe, allowing for improved stability and flow efficiency by reducing friction loss and requiring fewer parts for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional valve stems and spool pipes are used in valve assemblies, then the structure provides basic flow control, but friction loss increases and flow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional valve stem and spool pipe components from the valve assembly. By extracting these friction-causing elements, the invention allows fluid to flow directly through the valve body with minimal resistance, eliminating the source of friction loss while maintaining flow control functionality through the poppet valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the valve assembly into distinct functional components: the poppet valve for flow control, the check valve for backflow prevention, and the streamlined valve body for efficient fluid passage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with overall flow efficiency, unlike the integrated stem-spool structure that created friction points.
2Reliability
If valve stems and spool pipes are used for flow control, then basic valve function is achieved, but misalignment issues occur with variable fluid flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic poppet valve mechanism that responds automatically to variable fluid flow rates and pressure changes. The poppet moves freely within its seat to accommodate changing flow conditions without requiring mechanical alignment adjustments, providing inherent stability across variable operating conditions that fixed stem-spool structures cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly performs self-alignment through the natural movement of the poppet valve in response to fluid pressure and flow rate variations. The design eliminates the need for external alignment mechanisms or manual adjustment, as the poppet automatically positions itself to maintain optimal flow control under varying operational conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components including spool pipes are used in the valve assembly, then flow control functions are achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly: the poppet valve for flow control, the check valve for backflow prevention, and the streamlined body for efficient fluid passage. This merging eliminates the need for separate spool pipes and multiple control mechanisms, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining comprehensive flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit where the poppet valve handles primary flow control, the check valve prevents backflow, and the integrated body provides both structural support and optimized fluid pathways. This universal design achieves multiple flow control functions in a single component system, eliminating the need for separate specialized parts.
4Strength
If conventional valve assemblies with spool pipes are used, then basic structural support is provided, but material usage increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary material in the form of spool pipes and excessive structural components from the valve assembly. By extracting only the essential structural elements needed to support the poppet and check valve mechanisms, the design achieves adequate structural strength with minimal material usage, eliminating redundant metalwork that added weight and cost.
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
The solution achieves 30-70% more flow efficiency, reduces material usage, and simplifies assembly and maintenance, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective valve assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The valve disk is resiliently biased in the closed position against the valve seat to inhibit fluid flow in a first direction and allow fluid flow in an opposite direction to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
A guide is mounted on the inner periphery surface of the housing. The guide guides the plurality of guide legs of the poppet as the poppet moves between the closed position and the fully open position
Implementation Method 3
The butterfly valve disk is biased in a closed position against the butterfly valve seat to inhibit fluid flow in a first direction and allow fluid flow in an opposite direction to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly is provided which, in one aspect, includes a check valve in series with a butterfly valve without the need for a spacer or spool piper separating the check valve and butterfly valve. In one example, check valve may include a poppet comprising a plurality of guide legs extending into the downstream portion of the check valve. Butterfly valve may include at least a portion of a rotating disk is disposed within a downstream portion of the check valve. The plurality of guide legs may include distal ends that are configured or contoured to avoid interference with the rotating disk of the butterfly valve.