Fluid Control Valve Diaphragm Compression Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control valves face challenges due to the enlargement of their outer diameter caused by the clamping mechanism for the diaphragm, which also requires a separate seal member to prevent moisture and foreign matter infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control valve design featuring a diaphragm with an annular thin film and a compression mechanism that generates shaft seal pressure, eliminating the need for a dedicated seal member by integrating the seal function into the diaphragm and reducing its inner diameter, thus minimizing the valve's outer diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner circumferential portion of the diaphragm is clamped by a spring retainer and diaphragm holding body fixed to the valve frame, then the diaphragm is securely mounted, but the inner diameter of the diaphragm is increased, enlarging the outer diameter of the fluid control valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping function and sealing function into a single integrated structure. The clamping member includes both clamping portions that secure the diaphragm and a sealing portion that prevents fluid infiltration, eliminating the need for separate seal members and reducing the overall valve diameter while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it clamps the diaphragm to the valve shaft, seals the interface between the diaphragm and valve shaft, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and minimizes the valve's outer diameter.
2Reliability
If a dedicated seal member is provided between the valve frame and spring retainer to prevent moisture and foreign matter infiltration, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the clamping function by incorporating a sealing portion directly into the clamping member. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate seal members (such as O-rings or gaskets), reducing component count while maintaining effective sealing against moisture and foreign matter infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping member serves itself by including its own sealing capability. The sealing portion is an integral part of the clamping member structure, allowing it to perform both clamping and sealing functions without requiring additional dedicated seal members, thereby simplifying the overall device.
3Reliability
If the diaphragm inner diameter is increased to accommodate the clamping mechanism, then the diaphragm can be securely fixed, but the overall valve size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixation and sealing functions into a single clamping member that integrates both clamping portions and a sealing portion. This allows secure diaphragm fixation without requiring additional space for separate seal members, thereby maintaining compact valve dimensions while ensuring reliable fixation.
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 effectively prevents fluid, moisture, and foreign matter from infiltrating into the atmosphere chamber while reducing the valve's outer diameter, enhancing sealing efficiency and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
a compression mechanism part configured to generate shaft seal face pressure at the shaft seal portion by compressing the compressed portion of the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control valve includes: a valve housing including a flow path formed therein and having inflow and outflow ports for a fluid; a valve seat formed in the flow path; a driving device mounted in the valve housing; a valve shaft configured to be moved by being driven by the driving device; a valve body mounted on the valve shaft so as to open or close the flow path by being separated from or brought into contact with the valve seat; and a diaphragm formed in a form of an annular thin film and including outer and inner circumferential portions, and configured to move together with the valve shaft in a state where one side thereof faces a fluid chamber including the flow path and the valve seat so as to allow the fluid to flow therethrough, and the other side thereof faces an atmosphere chamber.