Fluid Valve Control Handle with Segmented Rotation and Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid valves face difficulties in precisely adjusting flow and pressure, requiring frequent fine adjustments and being cumbersome to operate.
Innovation Solution
A fluid valve structure comprising a connector main body, visual pipes, positioning assembly, ball valve assembly, transmission rod, and control handle, with indication members and notches, allows precise control of the ball valve's position to achieve constant flow and pressure, enabling easy operation and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional ball valve is used for flow and pressure adjustment, then the valve can control fluid flow, but it requires frequent fine adjustments and is difficult to operate conveniently
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle is divided into multiple rotation stages with different functions: first rotation stage for coarse adjustment (90 degrees to switch between TEST, OFF, DRAIN states), second rotation stage for fine adjustment (additional 90 degrees). This segmentation allows operators to quickly reach approximate positions followed by precise adjustments, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly with rolling ball and elastic member pre-positions the ball valve at specific flow rates corresponding to different control handle angles. The elastic member maintains continuous contact with the rolling ball, ensuring the valve is always positioned at predetermined flow rates. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for frequent fine adjustments while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If the ball valve is adjusted frequently for fine-tuning flow, then the required flow can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly pre-establishes multiple predetermined flow rate positions within the 90-degree rotation range. The elastic member with rolling ball mechanism ensures the ball valve is automatically positioned at these predetermined flow rates based on control handle angle, eliminating the need for repeated fine adjustments and reducing adjustment time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indication members (first, second, third indication members) provide visual feedback to the operator about the current valve position and flow rate. This feedback allows operators to quickly understand the current state without trial-and-error adjustments, reducing both adjustment time and operations while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If the control structure is made complex to achieve precise flow control, then flow precision can be improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: control handle with two rotation stages, positioning assembly with rolling ball and elastic member, and visual indication members. Each segment performs a specific function (coarse adjustment, fine adjustment, position indication), making the overall complex system manageable and intuitive to operate while achieving precise flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the simple rotational motion of the control handle and the ball valve. The elastic member and rolling ball convert the rotational angle into precise positional control of the ball valve, mediating between operator input and valve response to achieve precision without requiring complex direct control mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to improve flow control precision, then precision can be enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second rotation stages are merged into a single continuous rotational motion of the control handle. The positioning assembly merges the functions of position sensing, flow rate determination, and valve positioning into one integrated mechanism. This merging allows operators to perform both coarse and fine adjustments through a single intuitive rotation action, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining precision.
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 structure enables precise control of the ball valve to maintain constant flow and pressure, simplifying adjustments and operation, while allowing for easy disassembly and convenient use.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is inserted in the third indication member. A first end of the elastic member is pressed against the inside of the third indication member. The rolling ball is disposed inside the third indication member to lean against a second end of the elastic member
Implementation Method 2
The inner flange is adapted to hold against the rolling ball, such that the rolling ball is retained to be turned and a portion of the rolling ball is exposed
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid valve structure capable of outputting constant flow and constant pressure is provided. A control handle is adapted to control turning of a ball valve. The ball valve is formed with first, second and third openings. The openings are arranged at 90 degrees each other. The diameters of the first, second and third openings can be set according to the required flow and pressure. The fluid passes the first, second and third openings through an annular guide groove and guide holes of a water inflow connector, enabling the fluid gathered to the small diameter pipe portion to output constant flow and constant pressure. The user can observe the state of the fluid through glass windows provided on the small diameter pipe portion. The control handle controls the turning of the ball valve for the openings to be located in TEST, OFF, and DRAIN state, respectively.