Valve Stem Integrated Measurement Port Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies require additional machining for dedicated test openings to measure fluid conditions, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential leakage and pressure failures.
Innovation Solution
An integrated port is defined through the valve stem assembly to easily determine fluid conditions, allowing for measurement without additional machining, using a valve stem assembly with a stepped bore and elastomeric members that seal and expand to accommodate a test probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated test openings are added to the valve body for fluid measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test port function with the existing valve stem assembly by defining a bore through the valve stem that communicates with the valve body interior. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated test openings in the valve body, thereby maintaining measurement capability while reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem assembly is given multiple functions: it not only controls valve operation but also provides a test port for fluid measurement. By making the valve stem assembly multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate measurement components, thus improving adaptability while reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated test openings are added to the valve body, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test port function is merged into the valve stem assembly structure. The bore defined through the valve stem serves as the test port, eliminating the need for additional machining operations on the valve body and reducing manufacturing steps, thereby lowering production cost while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem assembly performs multiple functions including valve control and providing test port access. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and manufacturing operations required, thus improving ease of manufacture and reducing cost while maintaining adaptability for fluid measurement.
3Ease of operation
If multiple openings are created in the valve assembly, then measurement access is improved, but leakage risk and pressure failure potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating multiple separate openings in the valve body, the patent merges the test port function into the valve stem assembly. This single integrated approach provides measurement access while maintaining fewer sealing interfaces, thereby reducing leakage risk and improving reliability compared to multiple separate openings.
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
This solution reduces assembly complexity and cost while minimizing leakage risks, enabling efficient fluid condition measurement within the valve assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastomeric members positioned within the bore and configured to seal around the test probe and expand to accommodate the test probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve body (12) defines a fluid passage (15) and a valve sealing body (100) is positioned there. The valve sealing body is operable between open and closed positions which allow for fluid-flow and non-flow, respectively. The valve stem (40) has a free end and an engagement end where the engagement end engages the valve sealing body so that rotation of the valve stem' operates the valve sealing body between the open and closed positions. A measurement passage (45) is defined through the valve stem from the free end to the engagement end. The measurement passage is in fluid communication with the fluid passage (15) when the valve sealing body is in the open position, and at least one sealing member (60, 64) is positioned within the measurement passage (45).