Valve Shaft Torsion Spring Layout for Stable Flow Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate control valves experience rattling in the circumferential direction between the shaft and the rotor, leading to variations in the opening degree of the passage hole and consequently in the fluid flow rate.
Innovation Solution
A valve device is designed with a housing, a passage forming portion, a shaft, a rotor, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring urges the shaft relative to the housing in the circumferential direction, and a stopper is placed inside the torsion spring to limit the rotational drive range of the shaft, thereby reducing rattling and maintaining consistent flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the shaft and rotor are rotated to control the opening degree of the passage hole, then the fluid flow rate can be adjusted, but rattling occurs in the circumferential direction between the shaft and rotor causing variations in the opening degree
Solution Approach 1:
A torsion spring is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaft and the rotor. The torsion spring applies a circumferential urging force to the shaft, acting as a mediator that eliminates rattling while allowing the shaft to rotate for flow rate control. This intermediary component absorbs the harmful circumferential movements without preventing the necessary rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring provides a preliminary counteracting force in the circumferential direction before rattling can occur. By continuously urging the shaft in a circumferential direction, the spring preemptively counteracts any potential rattling movements, ensuring consistent opening degree control throughout the operation of the valve.
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is allowed to rotate freely for flow rate adjustment, then operational flexibility is maintained, but rattling causes variations in passage hole opening degree
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring serves as a mediator that selectively restricts unwanted circumferential movements while permitting necessary rotational adjustments. It provides just enough circumferential urging force to eliminate rattling without creating excessive friction that would hinder operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring changes the mechanical parameters of the shaft system by introducing a circumferential urging force. This modifies the shaft's movement characteristics, eliminating rattling while preserving the ability to rotate for flow rate adjustment, thus improving opening degree precision without sacrificing operational ease.
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 limits rattling between the drive device and the shaft, ensuring consistent opening degrees of the passage holes and thus stable fluid flow rates, enhancing the accuracy of flow rate control in valve devices.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion spring surrounds the central axis and is configured to urge the shaft relative to the housing in a circumferential direction of the central axis of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device includes: a housing; a passage forming portion that has at least one passage hole configured to conduct a fluid; a drive device that is configured to output a rotational force; and a shaft that is configured to be rotated about a central axis. The valve device includes: a rotor that is configured to increase or decrease an opening degree of the at least one passage hole in response to rotation of the shaft; and a torsion spring that surrounds the central axis and is configured to urge the shaft relative to the housing in a circumferential direction of the central axis of the shaft. The housing has a stopper that is configured to contact the shaft and thereby limit a rotational drive range of the shaft when the shaft is rotated to a predetermined position. The stopper is placed at an inside of the torsion spring.