Anti-Drainback Valve Keys for Plain-Cap Filter Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-drainback valves (ADB) with collared cap designs fail to securely lock into plain-cap filter assemblies in space-restricted engine applications, leading to installation issues and potential production delays, necessitating 100% inspection to prevent slipped filters.
Innovation Solution
The addition of keys extending past the cap of the filter assembly secures the ADB in place, allowing for easy installation and removal while maintaining low manufacturing costs and using a two-part mold process, without significant material addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional ADBs with collared cap designs are used, then the ADBs can be securely locked into place, but they cannot be installed in space-restricted engine applications
Solution Approach 1:
The ADB is segmented by adding protruding keys that extend beyond the cap surface. These keys are distributed around the circumference and engage with corresponding features on the cap to provide locking without requiring a collared cap design, thus enabling installation in space-restricted applications while maintaining security.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional ADBs are used on plain-cap filter assemblies, then space restrictions are accommodated, but the ADBs do not lock securely and may slip during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The keys are pre-formed as integral parts of the ADB during the molding process. This preliminary formation ensures that when the ADB is installed on the plain cap, the keys are already positioned to engage with the cap features, providing immediate locking action and preventing slippage during assembly operations.
3Reliability
If locking features are added to ADBs, then secure retention is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking keys are merged with the ADB body as a single integrated component. The keys are formed as extensions of the ADB elastomeric material, eliminating the need for separate locking parts or additional assembly steps. This merging approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving secure retention.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional ADBs are used, then manufacturing costs are low, but 100% inspection is required to prevent slipped filters from reaching customers
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed ADB design is self-locking through the engagement of keys with the cap features. This self-service mechanism inherently prevents slippage during assembly and operation, eliminating the need for post-assembly inspection to detect loose ADBs. The design builds quality assurance into the product structure itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-drainback valve contains a locking mechanism for securing the valve into to a filter assembly. The locking mechanism is made up of at least two keys that extend from the valve into beyond a cap of the filter assembly in order to secure the valve within the filter assembly. When multiple keys are employed, such keys may be equally spaced around the circumference of the cap. Manufacturing costs are kept minimal as minimal material is required and a two part mold may be employed during manufacturing.