Valve Leakage Prevention via Segmented Stretchable Jacket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leakage prevention devices for valves, such as those using stretchable tubes, are prone to breakage due to stress concentration and large deformation, leading to ineffective fluid sealing and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A leakage prevention device featuring a stretchable jacket with a deformation section divided into two sections by a stop, where limiting units with pull rods and positioning members control the stretching and restoration of each section, distributing the deformation evenly and preventing excessive stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stretchable tube is used for leakage prevention, then the device structure is simple, but the tube is prone to breakage due to stress concentration and large deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The stretchable jacket is divided into multiple stretchable sections (first and second stretchable sections) separated by stops. This segmentation distributes the deformation load across multiple sections, preventing stress concentration at any single location and reducing the risk of breakage while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If two stretchable tubes are connected in series to reduce breakage risk, then the reliability improves, but large deformation still occurs at the lower end leading to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The stretchable jacket is divided into multiple stretchable sections (first and second stretchable sections) separated by stops. This segmentation distributes the deformation load across multiple sections, preventing stress concentration at any single location and reducing the risk of breakage while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If the stretchable tube is allowed to deform freely, then the valve operation range is sufficient, but excessive deformation causes stress concentration and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
Stops are pre-positioned within the stretchable jacket at predetermined locations. These stops act in advance to limit the maximum deformation of each stretchable section, preventing excessive stress accumulation before it can lead to breakage, while still allowing sufficient operational range for normal valve function.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable jacket with integrated stops creates a dynamic system where the deformation capacity is adaptively controlled. The stops engage only when deformation reaches predetermined limits, allowing full operational range during normal use while automatically preventing excessive deformation that would lead to failure.
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 prevents fluid leakage by evenly sharing the deformation of the stretchable jacket, reducing the risk of breakage and ensuring smooth operation of the valve, thereby extending the device's lifespan and maintaining effective sealing.
Implementation Method 1
The stretchable jacket is stretchable in a stretching direction parallel to the longitudinal direction... The stretchable jacket can be stretched when the valve rod moves downward and can be compressed when the valve rod moves upward
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a plug mounted to a lower end of a valve rod for opening or closing a fluid passage in the body. The valve rod extends through a cap and a stretchable jacket. The stretchable jacket includes first and second ends and a deformation section between the first and second ends. The first end of the stretchable jacket is fixed to the cap. The second end of the stretchable jacket is fixed to the valve rod. A stop is located at the deformation section, dividing the stretchable jacket into first and second stretchable sections. A pull rod is fixed to the valve rod or the cap and slideable relative to the stop. First and second positioning members are mounted on the pull rod to limit travel of the pull rod by contacting with the stop, avoiding over stretching and undesired compression of the first or second stretchable section.