Fluid Control Valve Diaphragm Inversion Inhibitor Without Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diaphragm-type fluid control valves require complex and costly biasing mechanisms, such as springs or ribs, to maintain the diaphragm in the closed position, which can lead to vibrations, increased manufacturing complexity, and unacceptable pressure loss.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm with a smooth, bowl-shaped upper surface and reinforced fabric embedded in a rubber matrix, which naturally inverts to seal against elongated seat members without additional biasing devices, minimizing stress concentrations and facilitating easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs or other biasing devices are used to urge the diaphragm to the closed position, then the diaphragm can be forced to the valve seat, but the upper cover of the valve must be made larger than needed and/or include features to receive the spring, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spring or biasing device from the valve assembly. Instead of using a separate biasing component, the diaphragm itself is designed with an inverted configuration where the upper surface conforms to the cover profile, allowing the diaphragm's own geometry to provide the necessary biasing force without requiring additional components or modifying the valve cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional diaphragm configuration. Rather than a convex upper surface requiring a spring to maintain contact with the seat, the diaphragm has a concave upper surface that naturally inverts to conform to the cover profile. This inversion allows the diaphragm's own elasticity and geometry to provide the closing force, eliminating the need for external biasing devices.
2Reliability
If ribs and/or rings are attached to the diaphragm to bias it towards the sealing position, then the diaphragm can be urged to the seated position, but the design and manufacturing process of the diaphragms will need to account for the ribs and/or rings, producing added complexity and/or expense in manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes ribs, rings, and other attachment features from the diaphragm design. The diaphragm is manufactured as a simple, smooth-walled membrane without any protruding or attached structural elements. The necessary biasing function is achieved through the inverted geometry of the diaphragm itself rather than through added components that would complicate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the functional properties in the diaphragm's overall geometry rather than in localized ribs or rings. The inverted configuration of the entire diaphragm provides the biasing force uniformly across the sealing surface, eliminating the need for localized structural additions that would require special manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a spring engages the diaphragm to force it to make contact with the valve seat, then the diaphragm can be sealed, but at low rates the biasing device can create vibrations that damage the diaphragm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the spring or biasing device that causes vibrations. By using the inverted diaphragm's own geometry to provide the closing force, the source of harmful vibrations is removed entirely, preventing damage to the diaphragm while still ensuring reliable contact with the valve seat.
4Strength
If the flexible member has a complex surface structure with ribs or varying curvature, then it may provide structural support, but stress concentrations are produced during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a smooth, uniform surface on the upper side of the diaphragm that distributes stress evenly during operation. The concave geometry provides the necessary structural function while the smooth surface eliminates stress concentration points that would compromise reliability.
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 solution provides precise control of fluid flow and pressure with reduced wear and complexity, eliminating the need for additional biasing mechanisms and minimizing pressure loss, while maintaining reliable performance.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member (100a) that is disposed within the chamber for controlling communication between the inlet and the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a flexible member (100a) that is disposed within the chamber for controlling communication between the inlet and the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A fluid control valve includes a cover portion and a body portion. Inner surfaces of the cover and the body portion define a chamber that includes an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber. The cover portion includes a central section and an inversion inhibitor circumscribing the central section. The inversion inhibitor projects into the chamber toward a central axis of the chamber. The fluid control valve also includes a diaphragm disposed between the cover portion and the body portion. The diaphragm has a flexible member that is disposed within the chamber for controlling communication between the inlet and the outlet. The inversion inhibitor prevents the flexible member from reaching its natural-inverted position and creates a force within the flexible member that urges the flexible member to a seated position. In the partially inverted position, the upper surface of the flexible member conforms to at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover portion to define a passageway that permits communication between the inlet and the outlet.