Pressure Regulating Valve Membrane for Low-Friction Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for controlling fluid flow lack efficient regulation and experience significant frictional losses due to damping functions, which hinder precise flow control and increase operational losses.
Innovation Solution
A valve arrangement featuring a flexible membrane with radially inner and outer expansion spaces allows symmetrical radial deformation, reducing friction and enabling free movement of the regulating valve element, coupled with a membrane support structure for high-pressure protection and a fixation element with a recess for the inner expansion space, enhancing flow regulation and reducing frictional losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a damping function is provided to reduce movement of the regulating valve element, then stability is improved, but frictional losses increase and regulation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into a rigid part and a flexible part, with the flexible part further segmented into radially inner and outer sides. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function: the rigid part provides structural stability while the flexible parts enable deformation for friction reduction, resolving the contradiction between stability and frictional losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radial expansion spaces on both the inner and outer sides of the flexible membrane part, allowing the membrane to deform in the radial dimension. This dimensional change enables the membrane to accommodate pressure differences through radial deformation rather than axial movement, reducing friction between the valve element and seat while maintaining stability.
2Loss of energy
If the membrane is made completely flexible to allow free movement, then frictional losses are reduced, but stability and control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into a rigid part and a flexible part. The rigid part maintains structural stability and proper positioning, while the flexible part (with radially inner and outer sides) allows deformation to reduce friction. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between stability and friction reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the membrane have different mechanical properties: the rigid part provides stability and structural support, while the flexible part provides deformability for friction reduction. This local differentiation of material properties allows the membrane to simultaneously achieve stability and low friction operation.
3Loss of energy
If expansion space is provided only on the inner side of the membrane, then friction is reduced, but symmetrical deformation and regulation quality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented with expansion spaces on both the radially inner and radially outer sides of the flexible part. This symmetrical segmentation allows balanced deformation in both directions, improving regulation quality while maintaining friction reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent initially provides expansion space only on the radially inner side (asymmetric design), then improves it by adding expansion space on the radially outer side as well, creating a more symmetrical configuration. This evolution from asymmetric to symmetrical design resolves the limitation in regulation quality while maintaining friction reduction.
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 improves flow regulation by minimizing frictional losses and maintaining constant flow, allowing the pressure regulating valve to operate freely without damping functions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of fluid flow control.
Implementation Method 1
When a pressure difference exists over the membrane, this material is deformed. Since an expansion space is provided on a radially inner side of the flexible part of the membrane, the deformation of the radially inner side of the flexible part of the membrane is possible.
Implementation Method 2
the wall comprises a membrane support structure in a part remote from the plate-like section. This membrane support structure is used to protect the membrane when high pressure differences over the membrane occur.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A valve arrangement for controlling a flow of a heating or cooling fluid is described, said valve arrangement comprising a housing (2) having an inlet and an outlet, and a pressure regulating valve (11) being arranged between said inlet and said outlet and having a regulating valve element (12) and a regulating valve seat (13), said regulating valve element (12) being connected to a membrane (15), said membrane (15) having a flexible part (17). Such a valve arrangement should have a good regulation of flow. To this end a radially inner expansion space (27) is provided on a radially inner side (25) of the flexible part (17) of the membrane (15).