Two-Position Valve Multi-Surface Sealing With Lower Spring Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-surface sealing systems in valves face challenges in ensuring effective sealing without applying significant loads, which can be costly due to the need for tight tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A valve design incorporating a stroking valve, biasing members, and seal blocks with face and radial seals, where the stroking valve makes contact with seals in a specific order to achieve a drip-tight seal using standard tolerances and reduced spring force, allowing for efficient sealing with lower loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If significant loads are applied to assure all seal locations compress and fully seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to the need for tight tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent seal locations (first seal location between stroking valve and housing, second seal location between stroking valve and seal block). Each seal location has its own sealing element and can be independently designed and manufactured, allowing standard tolerances to be used without compromising overall sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A seal block is introduced as an intermediary component between the stroking valve and the housing. This seal block contains a second seal location and allows the stroking valve to seal at two different locations independently, eliminating the need for tight tolerances across the entire valve-housing interface
2Reliability
If very tight tolerances are utilized to assure sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple independent seal locations, each with its own sealing element. This allows each seal to be manufactured and assembled independently using standard tolerances, significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to requiring tight tolerances across the entire valve assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the sealing approach from relying on tight dimensional tolerances to relying on compliant sealing elements that can accommodate standard tolerances. The sealing elements are designed to deform and conform to the mating surfaces, making the system less sensitive to manufacturing variations
3Reliability
If multiple seal locations are implemented, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal block serves multiple functions: it provides a second seal location, acts as a structural support, and enables the stroking valve to seal at two different locations independently. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, keeping the overall device complexity manageable
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 design achieves a drip-tight seal on multiple surfaces using standard tolerances and lower spring force, improving manufacturability and field reliability while reducing the need for tight tolerances and high loads.
Implementation Method 1
A first biasing member is operatively connected between the housing and the stroking valve, biasing the stroking valve in a first direction toward the closed position. A second biasing member is operatively connected between the housing and the seal block, biasing the seal block in a second direction opposite the first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a housing. A stroking valve is operatively connected to the housing for valve stroking movement relative to the housing in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the housing. The stroking valve has an open position for flow through the housing and a closed position for blocking flow through the housing. The stroking valve is configured to make sealing contact with a second face seal between the seal block and the stroking valve after a first portion of a stroke from the open position to the closed position prior to making sealing contact with a first face seal between the stroking valve and the housing.