Valve Closure Element Torus Diaphragm Pressure Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices require high drive energy to close due to high pressure differences between inflow and outflow sections, leading to inefficient operation and increased installation space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A closure element with a membrane section and intermediate section design that utilizes pressure differences to support the closure element in a closed position, reducing the required driving force and allowing for better flow adjustment, featuring a torus-shaped membrane section, plate spring prestressing, and a compression spring to counteract outflow pressures without altering the closure element's geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional valve designs are used with high pressure differences between inlet and outlet sections, then the valve can maintain closed position, but high drive energy is required to close the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high pressure difference into a beneficial force by designing the diaphragm section with a specific geometry where the inlet pressure acts on a larger effective area than the outlet pressure. This creates a net closing force that assists the actuator, transforming the previously harmful pressure differential into a useful closing assistance that reduces drive energy requirements while maintaining reliable closed position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the diaphragm section, specifically designing it with a torus-shaped geometry where the radius in the closing direction varies along the circumference. This parameter optimization ensures that the inlet pressure acts on a larger effective area, creating a favorable force balance that reduces the energy required for closing while maintaining system reliability
2Volume of stationary object
If conventional valve designs are used, then the valve can operate with high pressure differentials, but large installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the closure element, particularly the diaphragm section's torus-shaped geometry and the relative sizes of inlet and outlet openings. These parameter changes enable the valve to handle high pressure differentials in a more compact design, reducing the volume of the valve body and overall installation space while maintaining the capability to operate reliably under high pressure conditions
3Measurement precision
If conventional valve designs are used, then the valve can close against high pressure, but imprecise flow adjustment is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through the optimized diaphragm geometry and spring system, allowing the valve to adapt to different operating conditions. The torus-shaped diaphragm section with varying radius creates a progressive closing force that enables precise flow adjustment, while the spring constant can be selected to match specific application requirements, providing both precise control and sufficient closing force
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 reduces the driving force needed to close the valve, minimizes installation space, and enhances flow adjustment by leveraging pressure differences to support the closure element, ensuring effective operation even with high pressure variations.
Implementation Method 1
pressure in an inlet section assists the closure element in remaining in a closed position... pressure differences to support the closure element in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
A disc spring presses against the mounting element and thus against a radially outer mounting area of the diaphragm section in order to provide a preload on the outer mounting area and to compensate for tolerances and thermal expansion
Implementation Method 3
a compression spring to counteract outflow pressures... compression spring to counteract the second pressure which acts in the closed position of the valve device via the closing section against the delivery direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A closing element (6) for a valve assembly (2) is proposed. The closing element (6) comprises an intermediate section (32) extending between a closing section (24) and a diaphragm section (16) and is arranged in an inlet section (12). The diaphragm section (16) and the intermediate section (32) are aligned such that a pressure (p1) in the inlet section (12) assists the closing element (6) in remaining in a closed position.