Valve Flow Path Rectification for Pressure Loss at Bent Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

The linear cutting of block-shaped valve bodies results in pressure loss when channels intersect, as the meeting points of these channels can lead to fluid being pushed out inefficiently.

Innovation Solution

A valve device with a rectification member arranged in the bent portions of communication holes, featuring a corner portion with an inner circumferential surface bent or curved at an angle larger than the bent portion, reducing fluid turbulence and pressure loss by guiding fluid flow through a smooth passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If channels are formed by linear cutting from different positions to meet inside the valve main body, then multiple channels can be formed, but pressure loss occurs at the meeting points where channels intersect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel formationVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rectification member features a curved inner circumferential surface at the bent portion of the communication hole, replacing the sharp angular intersection with a smooth curved passage. This curvature allows fluid to flow smoothly around the bend without turbulence or pressure loss, while still enabling multiple channels to intersect within the valve body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the communication hole has a bent portion to connect channels, then channel connectivity is achieved, but fluid flow becomes turbulent and pressure is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel connectivityVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The bent portion of the communication hole is equipped with a rectification member that provides a curved flow path. The inner circumferential surface of the rectification member is bent at an angle larger than the bent portion itself, creating a gradual transition that maintains channel connectivity while preventing fluid turbulence and pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Volume of moving object

If a sharp bent portion is used to change fluid flow direction, then compact valve structure is achieved, but pressure loss increases due to turbulence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structure compactnessVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rectification member introduces a curved surface that gradually transitions the fluid flow direction rather than using a sharp bend. This allows the valve to maintain a compact structure with bent communication holes while the curved inner surface of the rectification member prevents turbulence and pressure loss by guiding fluid smoothly through the bend.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 effectively reduces pressure loss by ensuring fluid flows smoothly through the rectification member's passage, even at 90-degree bends, enhancing the efficiency of fluid flow within the valve device.

Implementation Method 1

the rectification member is arranged in the bent portion and has a corner portion formed by an inner circumferential surface bent or curved at an angle larger than an angle of the bent portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow guidance through curved surface:

Data Source

PatentEP3892898B1Valve device
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 FUJIKOKI CORP
  • EP3892898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3892898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3892898B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A valve device capable of reducing pressure loss is provided. The valve device is provided with a valve main body 4 having a valve chamber 43 in which a valve body 42 is arranged, inflow outlets 44B and 44C, and communication holes 45B and 45C communicating the valve chamber 43 and the inflow outlets 44B and 44C, and a rectification member 5 arranged in the communication hole 45B. The communication hole 45B has a bent portion 46a where the center line of the communication hole 45B is bent, and the rectification member 5 is arranged in the bent portion 46a and has a corner portion 52 formed by an inner circumferential surface bent or curved at an angle larger than the angle of the bent portion 46a.