Vortex Flow Control Valve for Abrasion-Free Precision Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle valves experience abrasion and particle contamination due to poor coaxiality between the needle and valve seat, leading to inaccurate flow rate adjustment and increased maintenance costs, particularly in applications like semiconductor manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A vortex-type flow control valve design that generates a swirling flow in a vortex chamber, using a protruding portion to adjust the flow rate by altering the proportion of swirling flow colliding with it, eliminating the need for contact between the valve element and seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a needle valve uses a narrow gap between the needle and valve seat to enable fine flow rate adjustment, then the flow rate control precision is improved, but the risk of contact and abrasion between the needle and valve seat increases due to poor coaxiality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vortex generator as an intermediary component that creates a swirling flow field between the needle and valve seat. This vortex flow acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the needle and valve seat while still allowing effective flow rate control through the narrow gap, thus resolving the contradiction between control precision and contact risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamics principles by creating a vortex flow through the narrow gap between the needle and valve seat. The swirling hydraulic flow generates centrifugal forces that keep the needle and valve seat separated, preventing contact and abrasion while maintaining precise flow control through the controlled vortex structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the needle and valve seat come into contact and slide on each other to adjust low flow rates, then the flow rate adjustment range is improved, but abrasion occurs leading to particle contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex flow generated in the narrow gap acts as an intermediary that enables flow rate adjustment across the full range without direct contact between the needle and valve seat. The swirling fluid dynamics provide the necessary control mechanism while preventing abrasion and particle generation throughout the entire operating range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based flow control with a fluid dynamics-based vortex flow control system. Instead of relying on mechanical sliding contact between the needle and valve seat, the system uses the swirling flow field to achieve flow rate adjustment, eliminating mechanical wear and particle contamination
3Reliability
If a vortex-type fluid element is used to avoid sliding between valve element and valve seat, then contact abrasion is reduced, but additional complexity is introduced requiring control flow rate adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of flow rate control from the complex control flow mechanism and integrates it directly into the main fluid path through the narrow gap between the needle and valve seat. This eliminates the need for separate control flow rate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining contact prevention through the vortex flow generated in the gap
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 vortex-type flow control valve allows precise flow rate adjustment without abrasion, reducing particle contamination and eliminating the need for parameter resets, thus enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flowing in from the inlet flow passage generates a vortex flow in the vortex chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex-type flow regulation valve includes: a vortex chamber having a cylinder-shaped circumferential side wall, a first end wall and a second end wall; an inlet flow passage that extends along an inlet flow passage center axis and opens in the circumferential side wall; an outlet flow passage that extends along an outlet flow passage center axis and opens into the first end wall; a protrusion protruding into the vortex chamber from one of the first end wall and the second end wall; and a driving unit that causes the protrusion to move toward and away from the other of the first end wall and the second end wall, within the vortex chamber. The inlet flow passage center axis passes through a location distanced from a vortex chamber center axis, and the movement of the protrusion regulates the flow rate of a fluid flowing out from the outlet flow passage.