U.S. patent application number 14/454265 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for shutter valve.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kyle P. Daniels. Invention is credited to Kyle P. Daniels.
Application Number | 20150041695 14/454265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52447820 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150041695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daniels; Kyle P. |
February 12, 2015 |
SHUTTER VALVE
Abstract
A shutter valve for regulating pressure and controlling fluid
flow comprising an actuator ring having a plurality of gear teeth,
the gear teeth driven by a mating gear or other means. A plurality
of obturator pin bosses, each pin boss affixed within an inside
circumference of the actuator ring, the pin boss further comprising
a hinge pin aperture. The shutter valve further comprises three or
more obturator elements, each obturator element defining a petal
shape structure including a tongue and groove feature along at
least a portion of an outside circumference thereof, and wherein
each obturator element is hingedly coupled to a hinge pin aperture
of an obturator pin boss. A hook element is located at an apex of
said petal shape structure of each obturator element. The shutter
value further includes a housing defining a cavity or holding the
actuator ring and the three or more obturator elements.
Inventors: |
Daniels; Kyle P.; (Coral
Gables, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Daniels; Kyle P. |
Coral Gables |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52447820 |
Appl. No.: |
14/454265 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61863179 |
Aug 7, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
251/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 31/53 20130101;
F16K 3/0227 20130101; F16K 3/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
251/212 |
International
Class: |
F16K 3/03 20060101
F16K003/03; F16K 31/53 20060101 F16K031/53 |
Claims
1. A shutter valve for regulating pressure and controlling fluid
flow, comprising: an actuator ring comprising a plurality of gear
teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; a plurality of
obturator pin bosses, each pin boss affixed within an inside
circumference of the actuator ring, the obturator pin boss further
comprising a hinge pin aperture; three or more obturator elements,
each obturator element defining a petal shape structure including a
tongue and groove feature along at least a portion of an outside
circumference thereof, and wherein each obturator element is
hingedly coupled to a hinge pin aperture of an obturator pin boss;
a hook element located at an apex of said petal shape structure of
each obturator element; and a housing defining a cavity for holding
the actuator ring and the three or more obturator elements.
2. The shutter valve of claim 1, wherein the petal shape structure
of each obturator element further comprises a seal surface along at
least a portion of the outside circumference thereof
3. The shutter valve of claim 2, wherein said seal surface of said
tongue and groove feature is composed of any one of rubber,
plastic, PTFE, and vinyl.
4. The shutter valve of claim 3, wherein said actuator ring
comprises a flat surface to mate with a seal.
5. The shutter valve of claim 4, wherein each of said three or more
obturator elements is coupled by a hinge to a hinge aperture of an
obturator pin boss such that said obturator elements are arranged
in a circular array along the inside circumference of the actuator
ring.
6. The shutter valve of claim 5, wherein said three or more
obturator elements are communally disposable between an open
position and a closed position.
7. The shutter valve of claim 6, wherein in the closed position the
seal surface of each obturator element contacts an adjacent
obturator element so as to securely void any aperture within the
inside circumference of the actuator ring.
8. The shutter valve of claim 7, wherein forces acting on the gear
teeth drive the actuator ring, causing the obturator elements to
move between the open and closed positions.
9. A shutter valve for regulating pressure and controlling fluid
flow, comprising: an actuator ring comprising: a) a plurality of
gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; b) a plurality
of obturator pin bosses, each pin boss affixed within an inside
circumference of the actuator ring; and c) a hinge pin aperture
located in each obturator pin boss; three or more obturator
elements, each obturator element comprising: a) a petal shape
structure including a tongue and groove feature along at least a
portion of an outside circumference thereof; b) a hook element
located at an apex of said petal shape structure; and c) a hinged
connection to a hinge pin aperture of an obturator pin boss, such
that rotational movement of the actuator ring causes movement of
the obturator elements; and a housing defining a cavity for holding
the actuator ring and the three or more obturator elements.
10. The shutter valve of claim 9, wherein the petal shape structure
of each obturator element further comprises a seal surface along at
least a portion of the outside circumference thereof
11. The shutter valve of claim 10, wherein said seal surface of
said tongue and groove feature is composed of any one of rubber,
plastic, PTFE, and vinyl.
12. The shutter valve of claim 11, wherein said actuator ring
comprises a flat surface to mate with a seal.
13. The shutter valve of claim 12, wherein said obturator elements
are arranged in a circular array along the inside circumference of
the actuator ring.
14. The shutter valve of claim 13, wherein said three or more
obturator elements are communally disposable between an open
position and a closed position.
15. The shutter valve of claim 14, wherein in the closed position
the seal surface of each obturator element contacts an adjacent
obturator element so as to securely void any aperture within the
inside circumference of the actuator ring.
16. A shutter valve for regulating pressure and controlling fluid
flow, comprising: an actuator ring comprising: a) a plurality of
gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; b) a plurality
of obturator pin bosses, each pin boss affixed within an inside
circumference of the actuator ring; and c) a hinge pin aperture
located in each obturator pin boss; three or more obturator
elements, each obturator element comprising: a) a petal shape
structure including a tongue and groove feature along at least a
portion of an outside circumference thereof; b) a hook element
located at an apex of said petal shape structure; c) a hinged
connection to a hinge pin aperture of an obturator pin boss, such
that rotational movement of the actuator ring causes movement of
the obturator elements; and d) a protrusion configured for gliding
along a track; and a housing defining a cavity for holding the
actuator ring and the three or more obturator elements, the housing
comprising a plurality of tracks, each track configured for
receiving a protrusion of an obturator element, such that the
protrusion glides along the track.
17. The shutter valve of claim 16, wherein the petal shape
structure of each obturator element further comprises a seal
surface along at least a portion of the outside circumference
thereof
18. The shutter valve of claim 17, wherein said actuator ring
comprises a flat surface to mate with a seal.
19. The shutter valve of claim 18, wherein said three or more
obturator elements are communally disposable between an open
position and a closed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to provisional
patent application No. 61/863,179 filed Aug. 7, 2013 and entitled
"Shutter Valve." The subject matter of provisional patent
application No. 61/863,179 is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention disclosed broadly relates to the field of
valve systems, and more particularly relates to the field of
shutter valves for pressure regulation and the control of fluids in
machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One of the problems with conventional valves is the lack of
the ability to regulate the amount of fluid flow through the valve.
This is because most conventional valves typically only offer an on
and off position. Completely stopping fluid flow, i.e., turning the
valve to the off position, results in a steep pressure drop, which
can cause a shockwave in the system and can result in cavitation.
This can reduce the lifespan of the valve, as well as the system as
a whole. Another problem with conventional valves is the lack of
the ability to remain securely sealed in a pressurized system. This
insecurity in said processes can cause leakage. Yet another common
problem with conventional valves is that the obturator element
remains within the lumen of the flow of gas or liquid, as with a
butterfly valve, thereby interrupting fluid flow. This approach,
however, creates a disruption in the fluid flow and can cause
potential currents that can produce cavitation. This negative
result can also directly reduce the life span of a valve, pipe, or
the entire system altogether.
[0006] One possible approach to the above-described problems is the
use of an iris valve, which utilizes obturator elements within the
lumen of the flow area, wherein the obturator elements open and
close in an annular array to regulate the flow of gases or liquids.
This removes all obstructions to the flow of gases and liquids when
the valve is in the open position. But conventional iris valves
also possess the same problem with remaining securely sealed,
especially in a pressurized system. Thus, many conventional iris
valves suffer from leakage caused by the inability to seal
properly. The inability of conventional iris valves to seal
properly has limited the uses and useful life span of the iris
valve. In many cases, various industries have not used iris valves
because of this problem.
[0007] Consequently, a need exists to overcome the problems with
the prior art as discussed above, and particularly for a more
efficient valve that seals properly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, disclosed is a shutter valve for regulating pressure and
controlling fluid flow comprising an actuator ring having a
plurality of gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear or
other means. The shutter valve includes a plurality of obturator
pin bosses. Each pin boss is affixed within an inside circumference
of the actuator ring, the obturator pin boss further comprising a
hinge pin aperture. The shutter valve further comprises three or
more obturator elements, each obturator element defining a petal
shape structure including a tongue and groove feature along at
least a portion of an outside circumference thereof. Each obturator
element is hingedly coupled to a hinge pin aperture of an obturator
pin boss. Each obturator element further includes a hook element
located at an apex of said petal shape structure of each obturator
element. The shutter value further includes a housing defining a
cavity for holding the actuator ring and the three or more
obturator elements.
[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following more
particular description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
features and also the advantages of the disclosed embodiments will
be apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0011] Additionally, the left-most digit of a reference number
identifies the drawing in which the reference number first
appears.
[0012] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the shutter
valve, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the first part of the
shutter valve housing, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the second part of the
shutter valve housing, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of an actuator ring of the shutter
valve, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an obturator element of the
shutter valve, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of mating obturator
elements of the shutter valve, in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled shutter valve
without the first part of the housing, in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is frontal view of the assembled shutter valve
without the first part of the housing, shown in the closed
position, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6 is frontal view of the assembled shutter valve
without the first part of the housing, shown in the open position,
in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to
refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the
invention may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other
implementations are possible. For example, substitutions,
additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated
in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified
by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed
methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not
limit the invention. Instead, the proper scope of the invention is
defined by the appended claims.
[0022] The disclosed embodiments solve problems with the prior art
by providing a simplified shutter valve that allows for pressure
regulation and for controlling the amount of fluid flow through the
valve by regulating the aperture through which said fluid may flow.
The disclosed embodiments further improve over the prior art by
providing a system that allows for adjusting the lumen through
which fluid flows. This allows a user to choose a desired size of
the lumen, so as to regulate pressure and fluid flow through the
valve. The disclosed embodiments further improve over the prior art
by providing a system that allows for closure of the valve by
progressively making the lumen through which fluid flows smaller
until there is no aperture for allowing fluid flow, thereby
eliminating a steep pressure drop, shockwaves in the system and
cavitation. The disclosed embodiments also improve over the prior
art by providing the ability to remain securely sealed throughout
various types of processes, including compression and combustion.
The disclosed embodiments further improve over the prior art by
allowing the fluid to pass through the valve unobstructed when in
the open position.
[0023] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the fully
assembled shutter valve 100, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. The shutter valve includes a housing or
casing having a first part 105 and a second part 107, which are
more specifically described in FIGS. 1B and 1C below. The housing
further defines a central aperture 120. When mated together, the
parts of the housing 105, 107 define am internal cavity and cover
that hold an actuator ring 110 (which is more fully described in
FIG. 2) and obturator elements 125 (described more fully herein).
The actuator ring 110 comprises a plurality of gear teeth 115. The
gear teeth 115 are driven by a mating spur (not shown) or any other
means of generating rotational energy to cause the actuator ring to
translate or rotate within the housing of the shutter valve 100.
Additionally, in other embodiments (not shown), the actuator ring
can be driven by an appropriate means such as gears, belts, a shaft
or some other apparatus to generate rotational energy required to
move the shutter valve. Actuator 110 also includes a flat surface
11 that mates with a seal, such that when part 105 of the housing
is mated with part 107, a seal is included between the parts 105,
107 to seal the interior cavity created by housing 105, 107.
[0024] Pivotally coupled to the actuator ring 110 are three
obturator elements 125 (which more fully described in FIGS. 3A-3B).
However, more obturator elements may be used and three (3) is not
meant to be a limitation. Additionally, in other embodiments (not
shown), the actuator ring can be driven by an appropriate means
such as gears, belts, a shaft or some other apparatus to generate
rotational energy required to move the actuator ring, and, by
extension, the obturator elements. An obturator element is an
element that is introduced into an opening (in this case, the lumen
120 of the shutter valve 100). FIG. 1A illustrates the shutter
valve in a partially open position, in that the obturator elements
125 are partially rotated so as to partially introduced into the
lumen 120.
[0025] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the first part 105 of the
housing of the shutter valve 100, in accordance with one
embodiment. The first part 105 defines a substantially flat
circular body having a substantially flat surface 140 surrounded by
a rim or lip 145. The rim or lip protrudes substantially outward
from, or substantially perpendicular to, the surface 140 of the
first part 105. The rim surrounding the flat surface defines a
cavity for holding the actuator ring. The rim may be integral with
the flat surface (such as integrally formed) or the flat surface
and rim may be manufactured separately and then coupled together.
Along the edge of the rim is a plurality of screw or bolt bosses
150 having apertures 155 for receiving screws or bolts for joining
or coupling the first part 105 with the second part 107 of the
housing. Along the surface 140 are elongated tracks 135 that extend
radially from the central aperture 120, wherein each track
corresponds to each individual obturator element pin or protrusion
(described more fully below). In the present embodiment, each track
is an elongated curved shaped groove or slot. The purpose of the
tracks 135 are to guide the movement of the obturator elements 125
when they move within the housing 105, 107. Alternative to a track,
a protruding wall or parapet may be used.
[0026] The surface of the body of the first part 105 further
comprises an aperture that is centrally located thereon defining
the central aperture 120. 0-rings may be inserted into circular
shaped grooves 170 that abut the inside of the rim and into
circular shaped grooves 160 that surround the central aperture. The
rim may also include a slot 175 which is adapted to allow a gear or
other driving mechanism to mate with the gear teeth of the actuator
ring.
[0027] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the second part 107 of the
housing of the shutter valve 100, in accordance with one
embodiment. The second part is designed to mate with or cover the
first part 105 of the housing, thereby defining a cavity for the
actuator ring 110 and obturator elements 125. The second part 107
also defines a substantially flat circular body having a flat
surface 141. Along the edge of the flat surface 141 is a plurality
of screw or bolt bosses 151 having apertures 156 for receiving
screws, bolts or other fasteners for joining or coupling the first
part 105 with the second part 107. Along the surface 141 are
elongated tracks 130 that extend radially from the central aperture
120. Each of the tracks 130 correspond and align with each track
135 from the first part 105 of the housing. In the present
embodiment, each track defines an elongated curved groove or slot.
The purpose of the tracks 130 are to guide the movement of the
obturator elements 125 when they move within the housing 105, 107.
Alternative to a track, a protruding wall or parapet may be
used.
[0028] The surface of the body of the second part 107 further
comprises an aperture that is centrally located thereon defining
central aperture 120. O-rings may be inserted into grooves 161
surrounding the central aperture 120 as well as a circular shaped
groove 171 proximate to and inside from the edge of the surface
141. The rim of the second part 107 may also include a tab 176
which is sized to couple the valve to a driving mechanism such as a
gearbox housing. The housing parts 105 and 107 may be formed from
metal, aluminum, plastic or any other material suitable and known
to those in the art.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a front view of the actuator ring 110, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
actuator ring defines a substantially circular shaped ring having a
flat top surface opposing a flat bottom surface and a flat side
wall. Additionally, the surfaces of the actuator ring forms a seal
surface having a flat texture. The sealing surface must be
manufactured with high precision so that it forms a seal with other
components of the shutter valve. The actuator ring may be formed
from aluminum, titanium, steel, or any other alloy material
suitable and known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the
actuator ring may also include sealing services comprising of
rubber, plastic, PTFE, vinyl, etc. The actuator ring is sized to
fit inside the cavity defined by housing (105, 107) of the shutter
valve 107.
[0030] The actuator ring 110 includes at least three obturator pin
bosses 205 affixed within an inside circumference of the actuator
ring. The inside circumference is defined by the inner sidewall of
the actuator ring. In the present embodiment, each obturator pin
boss defines a substantially triangular shaped protrusion extending
radially inward from the inside side wall of the actuator ring.
Near an apex of each obturator pin boss is a hinge pin aperture
210. Each hinge pin aperture 210 is adapted to receive a pin or
other fastener that allows each obturator element to be hingedly
connected or to have a hinged connection to each obturator pin boss
205. Each obturator pin boss is sized to be received by the slot
310 of each obturator element, and as more specifically explained
in FIGS. 3A through 4.
[0031] The actuator ring 110 further includes a plurality of gear
teeth 115. As shown in FIG. 2, the gear teeth 115 are positioned
such that the gear teeth can be mated with a spur gear (not shown).
A spur gear is gear wheel with teeth projecting parallel to the
wheel's axis. The spur gear, or any other means of generating
rotational energy to cause the actuator ring to translate or rotate
within the housing (105, 107) of the shutter valve 100 may be used.
For example, in another embodiment (not shown), a protruding
element extending radially outward from the surface of the actuator
ring connected to a gear shaft may be used to rotate the actuator
ring. Actuator 110 also includes a flat surface 11 that mates with
a seal, such that when part 105 of the housing is mated with part
107, a seal is included between the parts 105, 107 to seal the
interior cavity created by housing 105, 107.
[0032] FIGS. 5 and 6 are frontal views of the assembled shutter
valve without the first part 105 of the housing, shown in the
closed and open position, respectively, in accordance with one
embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of the shutter valve 100,
showing all obturator elements 125 in a closed position. FIG. 6
shows that in the open position, the obturator elements 125 are
retracted such that no portion of it is located within the lumen
120. In the closed position (FIG. 5), the obturator elements 125
are extended such that a substantial portion of it is located
within the lumen 120. When all obturator elements are in the closed
position, the lumen 120 is completely occluded such that no fluid
flow is allowed through the valve 100 (FIG. 6). To move from the
open position to the closed position, the actuator ring 110 rotates
counterclockwise such that the obturator elements 125 rotate
counterclockwise about the hinged connection 210. To move from the
closed position to the open position, the actuator ring 110 rotates
clockwise such that the obturator elements 125 rotate clockwise
about the hinged connection 210. The rotation of actuator 110 is
apparent in FIGS. 5-6, since the location of the gear teeth 115 has
shifted between the two drawings.
[0033] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an obturator element 125 of
the shutter valve, in accordance with one embodiment. Each
obturator element defines a petal shaped structure having an
outside circumference defined by multiple sides. In one embodiment,
each of the obturator elements are equally sized and shaped, but
this is not meant to be a limitation. Each obturator element
further defines a tongue and groove feature 300 along at least a
portion of the outside circumference of the petal shape structure.
In the present embodiment, the tongue and groove feature comprises
two (2) sides of the circumference of the obturator element 125,
but this is not meant to be a limitation. On one side of the
circumference, a tongue 301 of the tongue and groove feature 300 is
located. The tongue can be a ridge protruding from the surface of
the petal shaped structure that is adapted to fit into the groove
303 of an adjacent obturator element. On a second side of the
circumference, a tongue groove 303 of the tongue and groove feature
300 is located. The groove is a channel defined by two opposing
sidewalls, wherein the groove is designed to accept the tongue 301
of an adjacent obturator element (when the valve 100 is in the
closed position) so as to create a seal. The tongue and groove
feature further comprises a seal surface comprising of rubber,
plastic, PTFE, vinyl, any combination thereof etc. The tongue and
groove element and seal surface is adapted to create a seal between
the obturator elements. The obturator element can be manufactured
from steel, aluminum, titanium, any combination thereof or any
other material known to those skilled in the art.
[0034] Each obturator element further defines a slot 310 on a third
side of the outside circumference, which is sized and adapted to
receive a corresponding obturator pin boss 205, as each obturator
element is pivotally attached to the actuator ring within the
shutter valve (more fully described in FIG. 4).
[0035] The petal shape structure of each obturator element further
defines a hook element 305 located at an apex of the petal shape
structure. The hook element defines a hook or beak shape of the
petal structure and is adapted to mate with the hook elements of
other obturator elements when the valve is in a closed position.
See FIG. 5, which shows all obturator elements 125 in the closed
position, and the hook features of all obturator elements mating
with each other to completely occlude the lumen 120 and eliminating
fluid flow through the lumen 120.
[0036] FIG. 3A also shows that the obturator element 125 also
includes an aperture 320 designed for insertion of a shaft or pin
that also extends into a hinge pin aperture 210 in a pin boss 205
of actuator ring 110, thereby creating a hinge, so as to hingably
couple the obturator element to the actuator ring. In one
embodiment, the pin is secured to the aperture 320 (so that the pin
does not rotate within aperture 320), though the pin rotates within
the hinge in aperture 210, when the obturator element 125 rotates.
FIG. 3A further shows that the obturator element 125 also includes
an aperture 322 designed for insertion of a protrusion (such as a
shaft or pin) that also extends into a track 130, 135 of housing
parts 105, 107, such that the protrusion may glide within said
tracks when the obturator element moves within the housing 105,
107. The purpose of the tracks 130, 135 are to guide the movement
of the obturator elements 125 when they move within the housing
105, 107. In one embodiment, the pin is secured to the aperture 322
(so that the pin does not rotate within aperture 322), and the pin
may glide or travel within tracks 130, 135, when the obturator
element 125 rotates.
[0037] FIG. 3A also shows a sidewall 311 that comprises an
elongated, curved wall having a diminutive height and a flat top
surface. The sidewall 311 extends radially in a curved shape from
one end of the obturator element 125, starting at or near the
aperture 320, and ending at the opposite end of the obturator
element, at or near the side what include the groove 303. The
purpose of the sidewall 311 is to offset the primary surface 319 of
the obturator element from the surface 140 or 141 of the first and
second parts of the housing 105, 107. When the obturator element is
placed in the first and second parts of the housing, the sidewall
311 may contact, or nearly contact, the surface of the first and
second parts of the housing. This offsets the primary surface of
the obturator element from the surface 140 or 141 such that the
primary surface does not contact said surfaces 140, 141. Further,
as the obturator element rotates, the sidewall 311 may contact, or
nearly contact, the surface of the first and second parts of the
housing, such that the primary surface need not contacts surfaces
140, 141. This reduces the surface areas that produce friction,
thereby increasing the efficiency of the system. Note there is a
sidewall 311 on the both sides of the obturator element (second
sidewall not shown in FIG. 3A).
[0038] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of two mating obturator
elements of the shutter valve 100, in accordance with one
embodiment. FIG. 3B shows that each obturator element defines a
tongue and groove feature 300 along at least a portion of the
outside circumference of the petal shape structure. In the top
obturator element 380, a tongue 301 of the tongue and groove
feature 300 is located. The tongue can be a ridge protruding from
the surface of the petal shaped structure that is adapted to fit
into the groove 303 of an adjacent obturator element 381. The
groove 303 is a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls, wherein
the groove is designed to accept the tongue 301 of the adjacent
obturator element 380 (when the valve 100 is in the closed
position--see FIG. 5) so as to create a seal. The tongue and groove
feature 300 further comprises a seal surface 321 comprising of
rubber, plastic, PTFE, vinyl, any combination thereof etc. The
tongue and groove element and seal surface is adapted to create a
seal between the obturator elements 380, 381. FIG. 3B also shows a
cross-section of sidewall 311. Note there is a sidewall 311 on the
both sides of the obturator element (both sidewalls shown in FIG.
3B).
[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shutter valve 100 with
the first part 105 of the housing removed, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,
FIG. 4 illustrates three obturator elements 125 hingedly coupled to
an obturator pin boss 205 such that the obturator elements are
arranged in a circular array around the inside circumference of the
actuator ring 110. FIG. 4 illustrates the shutter valve 100 in a
partially open position, such that the obturator elements only
partially occlude lumen 120. Each of the obturator elements are
movably or hingedly attached to the obturator pin boss by a
fastener at the hinge pin aperture. In one embodiment, the fastener
can be a pin that extends through aperture 320 of the obturator
element 125 and the hinge pin aperture 210 of actuator ring 110, or
other means of allowing pivoting movement.
[0040] FIG. 4 also illustrates how the slot 130 of each obturator
element is adapted and sized to receive the obturator pin boss 205.
A protruding element 410 (located in the aperture 322 of each
obturator element) is received by each of the plurality of tracks
130. The protruding element is sized such that it can be inserted
into the tracks and glide along the tracks as the obturator
elements move between the open and closed position. The protruding
element can be integrally formed with the each obturator element or
it can be coupled or affixed to the aperture 322 of each obturator
element separately.
[0041] As mentioned above, the tracks define an elongated curved
groove along the flat surface 141 of the second part 107 of the
housing. It should be noted that FIG. 4 does not include the first
part 105, which in the final full assembly holds the actuator ring
and obturator elements and is covered by the second part 107. The
protruding element or protrusions 410 also is received by a
plurality of tracks 135 on the surface of the first part 105 of the
housing. The tracks on the first and second parts of the housing
define a shape that allow the protrusions 410 to glide along the
track when the shutter valve moves between the open and closed
positions.
[0042] In the present embodiment, three obturator elements are
communally disposable between an open position and a closed
position. In the fully open position, each of the plurality of the
obturator elements are positioned such that the central opening 120
is not obstructed allowing fluids, gases or bodies to flow through
the opening. As forces act tangential to the actuator ring, the
actuator ring 110 rotates within the housing causing each of the
obturator elements hingedly attached to the obturator pin boss at
the obturator pin aperture by a pin to pivot causing the protruding
element 410 to slide or glide along the tracks 130, 135. The
obturator elements 125 will continue to slide along the tracks 130,
135 until each of the obturator element contacts an adjacent
obturator element so as to securely void any aperture within the
inside circumference of the actuator ring. When in the fully closed
position, the tongue 301 of each tongue and groove element 300 of
each obturator element mates with the groove 303 of an adjacent
obturator element. Additionally, each hook element 305 of each
obturator element contacts with the hook element of an adjacent
obturator element forming a seal.
[0043] To open the shutter valve from a closed position, tangential
forces (opposite to those applied for closing the shutter valve)
are applied to the actuator ring 110 such that the actuator ring is
rotated within the housing. This causes the actuator ring to
rotate, thereby causing the obturator pin boss to pivot the
obturator element, which causes the protruding element 410 to slide
or glide along the track 130 such that the tongue and groove
element of each obturator element separates from the adjacent
obturator element. As mentioned above, when in the fully open
position, the central aperture 120 is not blocked by any portion of
the obturator elements. The shutter valve can be positioned in a
partially open or partially close position for regulating pressure
and for controlling fluid flow. Additionally, additional gaskets,
O-rings or seals may also be utilized to accomplish a fluid tight
seal if required.
* * * * *