Diaphragm valve formed using additive manufacture
AssigneeNeptune Technology Group Inc.
InventorJeffrey M. Fowler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An oscillating diaphragm valve is provided. The valve is configured such that, when the diaphragm is in a closed position, pressure of a fluid supply opens the valve, and when the diaphragm is in an open position, the pressure of the fluid closes the valve. The valve internals are formed as a single, enclosed piece, with openings provided only for supply and consumption. The pilot-operated diaphragm-type valve uses a return spring for the diaphragm that applies a biasing force to an outside surface of the valve internals. Additionally, an actuator is provided to selectively arrest the diaphragm in an open or closed position by applying force to a different outside surface of the valve internals.
Claims20
A valve, comprising:
- an inner housing defining an internal space, the inner housing including a first orifice, a second orifice, and one or more flexible wall sections;
- a diaphragm dividing the internal space into a first volume and a second volume, wherein the first orifice is configured to supply fluid into the first volume;
- a main valve connected to the diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm moves between a closed position, which causes the main valve to prevent fluid flow through the first volume, and an open position, which causes the main valve to permit fluid flow through the first volume;
- and
- an actuator configured to apply a force to one of the flexible wall sections that selectively arrests the diaphragm in the closed position or in the open position.
A method comprising:
- forming, as a unitary structure, valve internals including:
- an inner housing that has one or more flexible wall sections,
- a flexible diaphragm, and
- a main valve;
- adding an actuator system to contact to one of the flexible wall sections of the inner housing;
- and
- applying a rigid outer housing over the inner housing and at least a portion of the actuator system.
A valve system, comprising:
- an inner housing defining an internal space and including one or more flexible wall sections;
- a diaphragm dividing the internal space into a first volume and a second volume, wherein the diaphragm moves between a closed position, which prevents fluid flow through the first volume, and an open position, which permits fluid flow through the first volume,
- wherein the inner housing and the diaphragm comprise a unitary structure formed from a same material;
- and
- a rigid outer housing providing a support structure for the inner housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.