A valve assembly and a method of manufacture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Climatization containers face challenges with condensation buildup and pressure differences leading to difficulty in opening doors due to rapid temperature changes, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly integrating an air pressure relief valve and a drain valve within a single body portion to manage air and liquid flow, allowing air pressure equalization and waste liquid drainage, thereby reducing the size and improving thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate air pressure relief valve and drain valve are provided, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air pressure relief valve and drain valve into a single integrated valve assembly with a common body portion. This merging approach maintains the functional reliability of both valves while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate valve installations and reducing the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional component where a single body portion houses both the air pressure relief valve and drain valve. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions (pressure relief and liquid drainage) that would traditionally require separate components, thereby improving reliability without increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If separate air pressure relief valve and drain valve are provided, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the air pressure relief valve and drain valve into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale, simplified production processes, and reduced inventory requirements, while maintaining the functional reliability of both valve functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional valve assembly allows manufacturers to produce a single component that performs multiple functions, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing and assembling separate valves, while ensuring both functions remain reliable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are installed, then functional completeness is improved, but thermal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly with a common body portion, reducing the number of penetration points through the container wall. This consolidation maintains functional completeness while improving thermal efficiency by minimizing insulation breaches and reducing heat transfer pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal valve assembly design provides complete valve functionality (both air pressure relief and liquid drainage) through a single component that penetrates the container wall at one location, thereby maintaining adaptability and versatility while reducing energy loss compared to multiple separate valves.
4Volume of moving object
If valve assembly size is reduced, then interior volume is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves size reduction by merging the air pressure relief valve and drain valve into a single integrated assembly, which maximizes the container interior volume. The integration complexity is managed through modular design and standardized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact multi-functional valve assembly provides complete valve functionality in a reduced size, maximizing interior volume. The design balances integration complexity with manufacturing feasibility through careful component arrangement and standardized production methods.
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 valve assembly effectively balances internal pressure with the ambient environment, facilitates easier door opening, and enhances thermal efficiency by consolidating flow paths, maximizing interior volume and reducing insulation breaches.
Implementation Method 1
an air pressure relief valve configured to allow air into the body portion
Implementation Method 2
a drain valve configured to allow a liquid out of the body portion
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A valve assembly (100) for a climatization container and a method of manufacturing a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a body portion (110), an air pressure relief valve (120) and a drain valve (130). The air pressure relief valve is configured to allow air into the body portion. The drain valve is configured to allow a liquid out of the body portion. The body portion is configured to fluidly couple to the interior of a climatization container.