Valve Closure Member Biasing for Vertical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary valves face alignment issues when mounted vertically due to weight-induced misalignment of closure members with the valve body, leading to leakage, as existing solutions fail to maintain precise positioning effectively.
Innovation Solution
A biasing apparatus comprising spring seats with protruding members that slidably engage and interlock to provide axial force, maintaining alignment of the closure member with the valve body and preventing torsional loading on the spring, thus ensuring a proper seal and reducing spring fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary valve is installed in a vertical orientation, then the valve can be installed in space-constrained applications, but the weight of valve components causes the closure member to shift and become misaligned with the sealing surface, compromising seal integrity and causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biasing member (spring) that applies an upward force to counteract the downward gravitational force on the closure member. This counterbalancing mechanism prevents weight-induced misalignment and maintains proper sealing contact between the closure member and valve seat, enabling reliable vertical installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-loaded to apply a preliminary upward force on the closure member before operation. This preliminary action continuously counteracts gravity and maintains proper alignment, ensuring the closure member remains in the correct position relative to the sealing surface throughout operation.
2Strength
If the closure member is made heavier to improve durability, then the valve can withstand higher forces, but the alignment with the sealing surface deteriorates due to increased weight-induced shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides a counterbalancing force that compensates for the increased weight of a more durable closure member. This allows the use of heavier, more durable materials without sacrificing alignment precision, as the spring force continuously offsets gravitational effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the closure member by introducing a biasing force, which allows the system to accommodate heavier closure members while maintaining alignment. The spring constant and pre-load can be adjusted to match the weight and durability requirements.
3Reliability
If a biasing member is added to maintain alignment, then seal integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is nested within the existing valve structure, utilizing the hollow shaft or available internal space. This nesting approach minimizes the increase in device complexity by integrating the spring into the existing geometry rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member serves multiple functions: it counteracts gravity to maintain alignment, provides continuous contact force for sealing, and can accommodate thermal expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 biasing apparatus effectively maintains the alignment of the closure member with the valve body, preventing leakage and reducing spring fatigue by opposing the weight of the valve components, allowing rotary valves to be installed in vertical orientations without compromising the seal.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed between two spring seats that slidably engage and interlock to provide axial force
Implementation Method 2
the weight of the valve components can cause the closure member to shift and become misaligned
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention discloses a member biasing apparatus (900) to bias a closure member (102) of a valve (901) along the longitudinal axis of a shaft (911) within a bore (956) of a valve body (924), the closure member biasing apparatus comprising a first spring seat (902) formed on a distal end (903) of the shaft (911). Further it comprises a second spring seat (904) formed on an end of a follower spacer (909), and a wave spring (906) disposed between the first and second spring seats, wherein the first spring seat forms a first seating surface and the second spring seat forms a second seating surface, and wherein the first and second spring seats form a body sized to be at least partially disposed within the bore (956) of the valve body.