Valve Plate Mounting Structure for Axial Removal Without Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate valves require significant effort and time to replace seal members due to the need to remove the valve plate from the valve rod and box, and they produce particles through rubbing between components during operation.
Innovation Solution
A gate valve design where the valve plate is mounted on the valve rod for easy removal along the axis, using inclined portions on the mounting hole and rod to ensure firm fixation without rotation, preventing rubbing and particle production, with tool mounting holes for efficient replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve plate is rotatably mounted on the valve rod to follow the valve seat, then the valve plate can adapt to the valve seat contour, but rubbing occurs between the valve plate and valve seat producing particles
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hole is segmented into multiple functional zones: a large-diameter portion for tool access, a small-diameter portion for precise positioning, and a come-off preventing section with engagement screws. This segmentation allows the valve plate to be firmly fixed without rotation while enabling easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and particle production.
Solution Approach 2:
The come-off preventing section with engagement screws is prepared in advance to prevent accidental removal during operation. The engagement screws are positioned to engage with the valve rod before the valve plate is fully seated, preliminarily securing the valve plate to prevent rotation and particle generation during valve operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the valve plate is firmly fixed to the valve rod to prevent rotation, then particle production is eliminated, but the valve plate becomes difficult to remove for seal member replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state through the three-zone mounting hole design. During normal operation, the small-diameter portion and engagement screws provide firm fixation preventing rotation. When seal member replacement is needed, tools can access the large-diameter portion to loosen and remove the valve plate, enabling easy repair while preventing particle generation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement screws act as intermediaries between the valve plate and valve rod. These screws provide the securing function during operation but can be easily loosened to allow removal. The tool mounting holes serve as intermediaries that facilitate the removal process by providing access points for removal tools, enabling easy seal member replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the valve mechanism.
3Loss of time
If the valve plate is made easily removable for seal member replacement, then maintenance time is reduced, but the fixation precision may be insufficient to prevent rubbing and particle production
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hole is divided into distinct functional segments that address different requirements: the large-diameter portion (first diameter) provides tool access for easy removal, the small-diameter portion (second diameter smaller than first) ensures precise positioning and firm fixation, and the come-off preventing section with engagement screws maintains positional accuracy. This segmentation enables both easy maintenance and high fixation precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the mounting hole have different local qualities tailored to specific functions. The large-diameter portion is optimized for tool access and removal operations, the small-diameter portion is optimized for precise positioning and preventing rotation, and the come-off preventing section is optimized for maintaining fixation reliability. Each local region has properties specifically suited to its function, resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and fixation precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To connect a valve plate with respect to a valve rod so as to be removable in a direction of an axis of the valve rod and to firmly fix the valve plate so as not to undergo relative rotation. [Solution] When a part of a hole rear wall 13b of a mounting hole 13 formed in a valve plate 3 and a part of a rod rear wall 14b of a mounting portion 14 of a valve rod 4 have formed thereat inclined portions 13b1 and 14b1, respectively, that produce a wedge effect by abutting upon each other and when the valve plate 3 and the valve rod 4 are fixed in a direction of an axis L by a valve-plate fixing screw 17, a wedge effect when the inclined portions 13b1 and 14b1 abut upon each other causes a rod front wall 14a of the mounting portion 14 and a hole front wall 13a of the mounting hole 13 to come into close contact with each other and the valve plate 3 and the valve rod 4 to be precisely and firmly fixed to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other.