Valve Membrane Supporting Structure for Pressure Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve arrangements for controlling heating or cooling fluid flow are prone to damage due to excessive pressure differences, making it difficult to repair them without interrupting the fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A membrane supporting structure is introduced to prevent membrane rupture by supporting the flexible membrane when pressure exceeds a predetermined value, using the housing or an insert as the supporting structure, and ensuring the membrane is fixed to the regulating valve element to prevent excessive stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the membrane is made flexible to allow pressure regulation, then the valve can control flow effectively, but the membrane becomes vulnerable to rupture under excessive pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supporting structure (housing wall or insert) that provides predetermined support to the membrane before excessive pressure differences occur. This supporting structure acts as a pre-prepared protective element that limits membrane displacement and prevents rupture when abnormal pressure conditions arise, without interfering with normal valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure serves as an intermediary element between the membrane and the excessive pressure difference. It intervenes to limit the membrane's exposure to damaging forces while allowing the membrane to function normally during regular operation. The supporting structure mediates between the need for membrane flexibility and the need for rupture prevention.
2Speed
If the membrane is allowed to move freely for pressure regulation, then the valve responds dynamically to pressure changes, but repair becomes complicated requiring flow interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve assembly into separable components, with the membrane and supporting structure forming a modular unit that can be accessed and replaced independently. The supporting structure is integrated into the housing or provided as a separate insert that remains in place during maintenance, allowing the membrane to be replaced without removing entire valve components or interrupting system flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is designed to remain in the housing and provide continuous support during membrane replacement. This self-retaining feature eliminates the need for complex disassembly procedures or flow interruption, as the supporting structure automatically maintains system integrity during maintenance operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the membrane is stretched extensively to accommodate pressure differences, then the valve can handle varying pressures, but the membrane may rupture due to overstretching
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is pre-positioned to provide support to the membrane at predetermined locations before excessive pressure differences occur. This preliminary support prevents the membrane from being stretched beyond its tensile strength limits, while still allowing sufficient membrane movement to handle the required pressure range during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure provides localized support at specific critical areas of the membrane where stress concentration would occur during excessive stretching. This selective support allows the membrane to maintain adaptability for pressure regulation while preventing rupture at vulnerable locations through targeted reinforcement.
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 supporting structure effectively prevents membrane damage by maintaining contact over its entire free part, allowing for safe maintenance and repair of downstream system components without interrupting the fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
When a large pressure difference occurs over the membrane this pressure difference is no longer able to destroy the membrane
Implementation Method 2
said fixing means having a surface extending in a circumferential direction and supporting a radial inner face of the flexible part of said membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A valve arrangement (1) for controlling a flow of a heating or cooling fluid is provided, said valve arrangement (1) comprising: a housing (2) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), a pressure regulating valve (11) being arranged between said inlet (3) and said outlet (4) 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) and being loaded on one side by an inlet pressure at the inlet (3) and on the opposite side by an outlet pressure at the outlet (4). In such a valve arrangement the risk of damages should be reduced. To this end a membrane supporting structure (25, 27, 28) is provided, said supporting structure (25, 27, 28) supporting said flexible part (17) of said membrane (15) when a force or a pressure acting on the membrane (15) exceeds a predetermined value.