Valve Closure Element With Spring-Loaded Second Sealing Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valves with diaphragm closure elements face challenges in maintaining tightness and sealing efficiency due to material aging, plastic deformation, and variations in pressure and temperature, leading to potential leakage and contamination issues in applications requiring high cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spring means, such as torsion springs or bending springs, to exert a consistent sealing force, combined with a second sealing portion and abutment means, to maintain sealing integrity despite temperature changes and component movements, and using a flexible and rigid closure element with a complementary seat portion for improved sealing and flow capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a diaphragm closure element is used to provide good flow capacity and easy operation, then the valve can be operated easily and maintain good flow capacity, but the sealing surfaces are subjected to wear and material aging which causes loss of tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is divided into two distinct sealing portions: a first sealing portion (diaphragm) that provides good flow capacity and easy operation, and a second sealing portion (enclosing portion) that provides reliable tightness. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the closure element are given different properties: the first sealing portion is made of elastic material optimized for flow and operation, while the second sealing portion is designed specifically for tightness and is arranged between the support portion and abutment means with spring force applied to it.
2Reliability
If elastic packing is compressed by prestressing a bolt to provide sealing, then the valve ensures good sealing initially, but the elastic material ages or is plastically deformed over time which results in leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a static bolt prestressing system, the invention introduces a dynamic spring means that continuously exerts force on the second sealing portion. This dynamic system compensates for material aging and plastic deformation by maintaining constant sealing pressure over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force provides a continuously adjustable sealing pressure that can compensate for changes in material properties over time. The force exerted by the spring means on the second sealing portion is arranged to provide a seal even when the elastic material ages or is plastically deformed.
3Reliability
If the valve is designed to be tight in closed position, then leakage is prevented, but the valve may accumulate contaminants and become a substantial obstacle to flow in open position
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is segmented into a first sealing portion for flow control and a second sealing portion for tightness. This allows the valve to achieve both good flow capacity when open and reliable tightness when closed, as each portion is optimized for its specific function.
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 ensures continuous sealing pressure and improved sealing performance over time, reducing the risk of leakage and maintaining cleanliness in applications, even under varying conditions, while allowing for easy and reliable operation of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
said force is, at least partly, a force exerted by a spring means arranged in the device
Implementation Method 2
an abutment means being arranged in contact along the periphery of said second sealing portion in such a manner that said second sealing portion is arranged between the support portion and the abutment means, the abutment means being arranged to transmit a force via said second sealing portion toward the support portion to provide a seal
Implementation Method 3
a closure element being arranged in the valve housing, said closure element having a sealing portion and comprising a diaphragm, the sealing portion being movable along an axis of the closure element by said diaphragm between an open position and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A device in a valve includes a valve housing with at least a first and a second fluid port. A closure element including a sealing portion and a diaphragm is arranged in the valve housing. The sealing portion is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element and valve housing form a flow passage which communicates with the fluid ports when the sealing portion leaves the closed position. A second sealing portion is arranged in contact with a support portion of the valve housing. An abutment element is arranged in contact with the second sealing portion. The abutment element transmits a force via the second sealing portion toward the support portion to provide a seal. The force is at least partly exerted by a spring element.