Hydraulic Valve Position Indicator With Reversible Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves with indication mechanisms suffer from rigid indicator members that break or permanently bend due to forces applied by the diaphragm and fluid flow, leading to non-functional valves. Additionally, hydraulically actuated weir type valves lack centralizing support for their diaphragms, causing drifting, tilting, and deformation, which can result in leakage and pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
A position indicating assembly with an elongate bendable portion that transmits and absorbs forces, allowing for reversible bending to minimize resistance to moments and damp unwanted forces. This assembly includes a first end engaged with the valve member and a second end displaceable with respect to the valve body, indicating the valve member's position between different flow intensity states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid indicator member is used to indicate valve member position, then the position indication is clear and visible, but the rigid member breaks or permanently bends due to forces applied by the diaphragm and fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator member's physical parameter (rigidity) is changed from rigid to flexible/bendable. The elongate bendable portion is designed to be flexible enough to absorb transverse forces through reversible bending while remaining sufficiently stiff to transmit longitudinal forces for accurate position indication. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between indication clarity and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape. The elongate bendable portion dynamically bends and straightens in response to applied forces, allowing it to absorb shocks and irregular forces while maintaining functional integrity for position indication.
2Device complexity
If a rigid indicator member is used to indicate valve member position, then the structure is simple and robust, but the member permanently bends or breaks under operational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The structural parameter of the indicator member is changed from rigid to flexible. The elongate bendable portion incorporates flexibility to absorb transverse forces through reversible bending, preventing permanent deformation and breakage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that directly couples the indicator to the valve member.
3Reliability
If support means are added to centralize the diaphragm, then drifting and tilting are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate bendable portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits longitudinal forces for position indication, absorbs transverse forces through reversible bending, and provides a degree of centralizing support for the diaphragm. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated support structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexibility parameter of the elongate bendable portion enables it to provide gentle centralizing support through its reversible bending characteristic. This passive support mechanism reduces diaphragm drifting and tilting without requiring active control systems or complex mechanical support structures.
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 enhances the reliability of the position indication assembly by allowing moderate absorption of undesired forces without permanent bending, and facilitates a non-robust design that maintains functionality even when the elongate bendable portion reaches its plastic region.
Implementation Method 1
configured, upon movement of said valve member, to transmit forces operating along the elongate bendable portion, at least from said first end to said second end, so as to displace the second end
Implementation Method 2
absorb forces operating transversely to the elongate bendable portion, by reversibly bending
Implementation Method 3
The reversible bending minimizes the resistant of the elongate portion to moments created by the forces being transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
The present application concerns a valve, and particularly position indicating assembly for use therewith. The position indicating assembly comprises a first end engageable with a valve member of the valve, an opposite second end displaceable with respect to a body of the valve in response to displacement of the first end, and an elongate bendable portion, extending between the first end and the second end, configured, upon movement of the valve member, to transmit forces operating along the elongate bendable portion, at least from said first end to said second end, so as to displace said second end, the elongate bendable portion being further configured for damping forces operating transversely thereto by reversibly bending.