Valve Variable Volume Chamber Flow Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems face challenges in precisely regulating flow rates and pressure in fluid conduits, particularly in large systems, due to bulky pilot actuators that require significant size and maintenance, and are not efficiently adaptable to varying seasonal and daily demands.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a variable volume chamber connected to high and low pressure sides, controlled by controllable conduits and a control unit, allowing precise adjustment of flow rates through the movement of a valve closing member, independent of valve size, with electronically controlled valves for precise control and reduced wear and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a pilot actuator is used to operate the valve closing member in large valves, then sufficient opening/closing force can be provided, but the actuator becomes quite bulky and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using fluid pressure from the high pressure side to directly act on the valve closing member through a piston mechanism. This eliminates the need for a bulky mechanical pilot actuator, as the hydraulic force generated by the pressure differential provides sufficient opening/closing force while occupying minimal space within the valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate pilot actuator component from the valve assembly. Instead of using a dedicated actuator mechanism, the patent utilizes the existing fluid pressure from the high pressure side to directly drive the valve closing member, thereby removing the bulky actuator while maintaining adequate forcing capability.
2Ease of operation
If a pilot actuator with membrane-sealed chamber and spring is used, then the valve can be regulated, but the device becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex pilot actuator assembly including the membrane-sealed chamber, pre-stressed spring, and associated components. Instead, it employs a simplified direct-acting mechanism where fluid pressure from the high pressure side acts on a piston that directly moves the valve closing member, maintaining regulation capability while dramatically reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical spring-based pilot actuator with a hydraulic/direct-pressure actuation system. The high pressure fluid directly drives the piston and valve closing member without requiring intermediate mechanical components like membranes and springs, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while preserving operational control.
3Measurement precision
If controllable conduits are used to regulate fluid flow to the variable volume chamber, then precise flow rate adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the high pressure side fluid serve multiple functions: it not only provides the driving force for the piston through pressure differential but also acts as the control medium for regulating valve opening through the controllable conduits. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control systems, achieving precise flow rate adjustment without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own high pressure fluid to perform both the work of moving the piston and the control function of regulating valve opening. The controllable conduits utilize the existing high pressure fluid to self-regulate the variable volume chamber pressure, thereby achieving precise control without requiring external control systems or additional complexity.
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 enables precise regulation of flow rates and pressure, reduces wear and maintenance, and optimizes space usage, allowing for efficient operation across varying demands without the need for large, bulky actuators.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is based on the realization that the difference in pressure over the valve can be used for regulating the volume of a variable volume chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve having a control function and a method for controlling a valve in a fluid conduit in order to adapt flow rates and/or differential pressure rates. The valve comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a valve closing member located inside a valve body. The valve closing member is operationally connected to a variable volume chamber, which is adapted to extract energy from the fluid in order to provide either an opening or a closing displacement of the valve closing member such that the degree of opening of the valve can be changed. The supply of fluid to and from the variable volume chambers may be regulated by electronically controlled valves.