Fluid Control Valve Plunger Geometry for Inclination Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid control valves face issues with plunger inclination due to surface contact between the valve body and seat, leading to manufacturing accuracy requirements and fluid accumulation, which limits the controllable flow rate range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclination suppressing protrusion between the valve body and plunger to stabilize the plunger's position and using a larger diameter diaphragm with increased deflection for a wider flow rate range, along with an elastic body to maintain parallelism and prevent fluid accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the valve body and plunger are in surface contact with each other, then the plunger is supported stably, but the plunger inclines due to tolerance and machining errors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional flat contact surface between the valve body and plunger with a curved surface (spheroidal contact). The plunger is provided with a spheroidal contact portion that contacts the valve body at a point or small area, allowing the plunger to self-align and reduce inclination caused by manufacturing tolerances. This curved contact geometry enables stable support while compensating for dimensional variations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the valve body and plunger are in surface contact with each other, then the plunger is supported, but fluid accumulates in the gap between them
Solution Approach 1:
The spheroidal contact surface between the valve body and plunger creates a point contact or minimal contact area geometry that prevents fluid from accumulating in gaps. The curved surface eliminates flat parallel surfaces where fluid could pool, allowing fluid to drain away from the contact region and preventing deterioration from fluid accumulation.
3Volume of moving object
If the diaphragm diameter is small, then the valve structure is compact, but the movable range of the plunger is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spheroidal contact portion allows the plunger to maintain stable contact with the valve body while accommodating larger diaphragm deflections. The curved contact geometry provides a mechanical advantage that amplifies the plunger's movable range without requiring an oversized diaphragm, thus maintaining compact valve dimensions while extending travel distance.
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 plunger inclination and fluid accumulation, enabling a wider controllable flow rate range while maintaining the stability and longevity of the valve components.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm that constitutes at least a part of a valve chamber accommodating the valve body and is connected to the circumferential surface of the plunger
Data Source
AI summary
The fluid control valve comprises: a valve seat constituting a part of a valve chamber; a valve body that is installed in the valve chamber and moves in a contacting/separating direction with respect to the valve seat; an actuator configured to move the valve body; and a plunger that transfers power of the actuator to the valve body. The valve body and the plunger are in contact with each other via an inclination suppressing protrusion configured to suppress an inclination of the plunger, the inclination being caused by contact between the valve body and the valve seat.