3D-Printed Check Valve Assembly for Simpler Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valve devices are inefficiently formed using multiple molds, requiring costly and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A check valve system comprising a housing, blocking element, and biasing member, all 3D printed simultaneously from 3D printable materials, with a passageway featuring a stepped portion to facilitate the blocking element's operation under compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional check valve devices are formed using multiple molds, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the housing, blocking element, and biasing member into a single 3D printed component. This merging eliminates the need for multiple molds and separate assembly steps, directly resolving the technical contradiction by simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining device functionality through integrated design features
2Productivity
If conventional check valve devices are formed using multiple molds, then each component can be optimized independently, but manufacturing time and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D printing process creates all components (housing, blocking element, biasing member) in a single manufacturing operation, eliminating sequential production steps. This preliminary integration of manufacturing operations dramatically reduces production time and increases efficiency without compromising component optimization
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple molds are used for manufacturing, then component quality can be controlled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameter from traditional multi-mold injection molding to additive manufacturing (3D printing). This parameter change enables single-step production of complex geometries with high dimensional accuracy, reducing both manufacturing cost and maintaining precision through digital model control
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
This approach reduces manufacturing costs and complexity by enabling efficient formation of check valve systems, allowing for precise control of the blocking element's position and reducing the need for multiple molds.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is disposed within the second portion of the passageway and is configured to maintain the blocking element in contact with the stepped portion when under compression
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve system includes a housing, a blocking element, and a biasing member. The housing has a passageway therethrough, the passageway including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a diameter that is less than a diameter of the second portion so as to form a stepped portion. The blocking element is disposed within the second portion of the passageway. The biasing member is disposed within the second portion of the passageway and configured to maintain the blocking element in contact with the stepped portion when under compression. The housing, the blocking element and the biasing member being obtainable by substantially simultaneously 3D printing, so as to be formed from one or more 3D printable materials.