Variable Pressure-Area Valve for Low-Force Closing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacity control valves require a large driving force to close due to the strong opposing force from high fluid pressure, especially when the valve is closed.

Innovation Solution

A valve design with a large and small diameter hole configuration, where the effective pressure-receiving area switches between control and closing regions, reducing the required driving force by minimizing the closing regional effective pressure-receiving area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional capacity control valve is used with high fluid pressure, then the valve can effectively control the flow rate, but a large driving force is required to close the valve due to the strong opposing force from the fluid pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate control effectivenessVSAvoiddriving force required to close valve
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is divided into two distinct regions: a control region with a larger effective pressure-receiving area for maintaining flow control authority, and a closing region with a smaller effective pressure-receiving area for reducing the force needed to close the valve. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve both effective flow control and easier closing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The effective pressure-receiving area of the valve body is made variable by switching between two regions based on the valve's operational state. During flow control operation, the control region is active; during closing operation, the closing region is active. This dynamic switching enables the valve to adapt its pressure response characteristics to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the effective pressure-receiving area is reduced to minimize driving force requirements, then the valve closes more easily, but the ability to control flow rate precisely is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving force to close valveVSAvoidflow rate control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is divided into two distinct regions: a control region with a larger effective pressure-receiving area for maintaining flow control authority, and a closing region with a smaller effective pressure-receiving area for reducing the force needed to close the valve. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve both effective flow control and easier closing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the valve body are given different functional qualities: the control region is designed with a larger effective pressure-receiving area optimized for flow control precision, while the closing region is designed with a smaller effective pressure-receiving area optimized for reducing closing force. Each region has specialized characteristics tailored to its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design allows for reduced driving force requirements while maintaining precise flow rate control by adjusting the flow rate through separate closing and throttle portions, enhancing sealing and reducing fluid influence on the valve body.

Implementation Method 1

a valve body is moved in an axial direction by electromagnetic force generated in the solenoid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a valve body having a rod shape moves toward a valve seat formed in the through-flow passage, to be able to close the through-flow passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical blocking: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4194726B1valve
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 EAGLE INDS
  • EP4194726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4194726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4194726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a valve in which a small driving force of a drive source is required when the valve is closed. A valve V1 includes a valve housing 10 and a valve body 51 to be driven by a drive source 80, and controls a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a through-flow passage 12 in a direction opposite a closing direction of the valve body 51, by moving the valve body 51 from a control region to a closing region. The valve body 51 has an effective pressure-receiving area where a pressure of the fluid acts on the valve body 51. The effective pressure-receiving area is switched between the effective pressure-receiving area RS1 in the control region and the effective pressure-receiving are Rs2 in the closing region. The effective pressure-receiving area Rs2 is smaller than the effective pressure-receiving are Rs1.