Variable Venturi Valve With Rotary Throat Control Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves face challenges in achieving precise control over flow rate, pressure, and temperature, require seamless integration with control systems, and suffer from response time delays and reliability issues, especially in dynamic processes.
Innovation Solution
The Variable Venturi Valve features a design with a driver flange, opposite flange, cylindrical cage, and flexible rod covering, utilizing a rotary actuator and microcontroller for precise flow control, and can have dual actuators for redundancy, made from exotic materials for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotary actuator with microcontroller is used for precise flow control, then manufacturing precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator with microcontroller serves multiple functions: it provides precise rotational control of the driver flange, enables automated flow rate adjustment, and integrates control logic within the valve system. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating control capabilities into a single component rather than requiring separate control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If dual actuators are used for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-actuator configuration implements redundancy by having a backup actuator ready to take over if the primary actuator fails. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures continuous operation without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems, as the standby actuator is pre-positioned and can immediately assume control.
Solution Approach 2:
The two actuators can be configured to work on different sections of the valve mechanism, with each actuator optimized for specific operational ranges or conditions. This local specialization allows each actuator to excel in its designated function while collectively providing comprehensive coverage and redundancy.
3Strength
If exotic materials are used for elongated rods, then strength and durability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated rods are encased in a flexible covering that allows the rigid exotic material rods to bend and flex as needed during valve operation. This flexible enclosure maintains the structural strength and durability of the exotic material rods while restoring the flexibility required for ease of operation, effectively combining the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials.
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
Enables precise flow rate and pressure adjustments, enhances system reliability with dual-actuator redundancy, and ensures efficient operation even with less flexible exotic materials.
Implementation Method 1
The valve's design enables precise control over flow rates through a mechanism that narrows or widens the throat of the cylindrical cage, thereby adjusting flow velocity and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an adjustable valve designed to be incorporated within a piping system to control the flow of gases or fluids. It incorporates the following components: the driver flange designed to be housed inside a rotational coupling, an opposite flange, and a cylindrical cage made up of a plurality of elongated rods encased in a flexible rod covering fused into a single cylinder by interconnecting elements. The cylindrical cage connects the driver flange to the opposite flange, facilitating the flow of fluids or gases through the piping system. The rotary actuator is designed to enable controllable rotation of the driver flange, resulting in the narrowing of the cylindrical cage, known as the throat. The opposite flange, which remains stationary during the action of the rotary actuator, can be replaced with another driver flange, creating a valve with two driver flanges, both controllable by either manual force or rotary actuators.