Valve Support Apparatus for Thermal Expansion Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piping systems, particularly those made of plastic, face stress and load issues due to thermal expansion, which can lead to leaks and valve failures as they are not adequately supported to accommodate expansion and contraction, and existing solutions do not effectively minimize these stresses on valves.
Innovation Solution
A valve support apparatus with a detachable valve mount that slidably couples to a support mount, allowing movement along the longitudinal axis of the slide mount and optionally along the orthogonal axis of the base, thereby reducing stress and load on the valve by accommodating thermal expansion and other variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If valves are rigidly supported, then structural stability is improved, but stress concentration due to thermal expansion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from rigid fixed supports to movable support mechanisms. The valve assembly is equipped with movable supports that allow the valve to move along the piping system's longitudinal axis in response to thermal expansion, while still providing adequate structural support. This dynamic support system eliminates stress concentration by accommodating dimensional changes rather than resisting them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the support characteristics from fixed to movable. The movable supports change their positional parameters dynamically, allowing the valve assembly to shift position along the longitudinal axis as temperature and pressure conditions vary. This parameter adaptation prevents stress buildup while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stress or pressure
If piping is configured with expansion loops, then thermal expansion stress is reduced, but valve support adequacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the support function into two distinct components: fixed supports that provide structural stability and movable supports that accommodate thermal expansion. The movable supports are specifically positioned to allow valve movement along the longitudinal axis while maintaining vertical and lateral support, thus segmenting the support responsibilities to simultaneously reduce stress and ensure valve support adequacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable supports act as intermediaries between the rigid valve body and the expanding piping system. These intermediate elements absorb the dimensional changes through their movement capability, protecting the valve connections from direct stress transmission while maintaining proper support.
3Ease of manufacture
If valves are fixed in position, then installation simplicity is improved, but susceptibility to failure from thermal expansion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing valves with movable support capabilities rather than fixed positioning. The movable supports allow the valve assembly to dynamically adjust its position along the longitudinal axis in response to thermal expansion, preventing connection stress and failure while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures through standardized support components.
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 apparatus effectively minimizes stress and load on valves by allowing them to move in response to piping thermal expansion, reducing the risk of leaks and extending the lifespan of the piping system.
Implementation Method 1
designed to minimize the stress and other loads exerted on a valve due to the thermal expansion of the connected piping
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve support apparatus is disclosed as capable of shifting a valve in a piping system in accordance with the thermal expansion of connected piping. The apparatus includes a valve mount, a slide mount, and a base, wherein the valve mount contains a valve attachment assembly to attach a valve. The valve mount can couple with the slide mount, using a mounting assembly, such that the valve mount is vertically and laterally secured about the slide mount, but the valve mount can move along the longitudinal axis of the slide mount. The slide mount, using another mounting assembly, can couple with the base, such that the slide mount is vertically and laterally secured about the base, but the slide mount can move along the longitudinal axis of the base, which is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the slide mount. With this configuration, the stress and other loads exerted on the valve due to thermal expansion can be minimized by allowing the valve to be moved to account for the elongated piping.