Valve Damping with Elastomeric Element for Low Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valves face challenges in achieving stable fluid control at low flow rates, particularly in regulating heat transfer fluids in heat exchangers, where conventional damping devices fail to provide precise control due to insufficient force increase near the valve seat.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastomeric element with a predetermined profile surface, which compresses disproportionately as the valve element approaches the valve seat, generating a progressive increase in force, replaces conventional springs, allowing for stable flow control by increasing the force required for closure disproportionately at low flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spring is used as a damping device, then the valve element can be moved freely, but stable control at low flow rates cannot be achieved because the force increase is linear and insufficient near the valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force-displacement parameter relationship by replacing the linear spring characteristic with a non-linear elastomeric element. The elastomeric element's force increases disproportionately with compression distance, creating a progressive valve characteristic that provides stable control at low flow rates while maintaining ease of operation across the full range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastomeric material with specific viscoelastic properties to create a damping device that combines cushioning effects with progressive force generation. This composite material approach allows the valve to achieve both soft initial closure and increased force near the seat, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stable low-flow control.
2Measurement precision
If the valve element approaches the valve seat with constant force, then movement is easy, but flow control precision deteriorates at low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic force characteristic where the closing force is not constant but varies with the valve element's position. The elastomeric element provides low initial force for easy movement, then progressively increases force as the valve approaches the seat, enabling precise flow control at low rates without requiring excessively high force throughout the entire stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element is pre-compressed to a predetermined extent before the valve element reaches the valve seat. This preliminary compression action allows the element to generate increasing counterforce progressively, ensuring that precise control is achieved at the critical low-flow stage without requiring the valve element to overcome excessive force throughout the entire closing process.
3Reliability
If a linear spring provides damping force, then the structure is simple, but progressive valve characteristic cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical spring system with an elastomeric element that utilizes material elasticity and viscoelasticity to generate the required force characteristics. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while achieving the progressive valve characteristic, as the non-linear force generation is inherent to the elastomeric material properties rather than requiring complex mechanical linkages.
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 solution enables stable and precise control of fluid flow at low rates by ensuring a larger temperature change is required for flow adjustments, maintaining control valve accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spring or restoring action of this element results from the elastomeric material from which the element is formed
Implementation Method 2
An element (23, 24) made of elastomeric material, which surrounds the valve spindle (4) and interacts with a surface (26, 27) with a predetermined profile transversely to the direction of movement of the valve element (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Specified is a valve having a valve seat, having a valve element (3) which interacts with the valve seat and is moveable in a valve housing (11) over a predetermined movement path, and having a damping device (22) which acts on the valve element (3) at least on a part of the movement path. It is sought to obtain stable control of a fluid even at a low throughflow rate. It is provided for this purpose that the damping device (22) has at least one element (23, 24) made from an elastomeric material which can be compressed between a first stop (16), which is connected to the valve element, and a second stop (28), which is connected to the valve housing (11).