Anti-Noise Unit Flange Rotation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-noise units for hydraulic systems are prone to installation errors that cause torsion of the elastic element, leading to reduced durability and increased noise, as the elastic element may rotate during tightening, resulting in deformation and turbulence.

Innovation Solution

The anti-noise unit incorporates discrete protruding elements on the supporting frame to prevent rotation of the flanges, using spherical or hemispherical protrusions and matching hollows to ensure correct assembly and prevent torsion, along with mirror-finished surfaces to reduce wear and damage during expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the elastic element is allowed to rotate during installation, then the device is easier to install, but the elastic element becomes deformed and generates noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddurability of elastic element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates protruding elements on the ring-shaped portions and corresponding hollows on the flanges before the device is installed. These pre-positioned features automatically prevent rotation of the elastic element when it is inserted into the supporting frame, eliminating the need for additional anti-rotation measures during installation while ensuring proper alignment and preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the elastic element is constrained to prevent rotation, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of elastic elementVSAvoidstructural complexity of supporting frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the anti-rotation function directly into the existing supporting frame structure by adding protruding elements to the ring-shaped portions. These protruding elements work with corresponding hollows on the flanges to prevent rotation, combining the support and rotation prevention functions into a single integrated structure rather than adding separate constraint mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the elastic element is twisted during tightening, then the joint is secured, but the elastic element is subjected to torsion preload reducing damping effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint securing strengthVSAvoiddamping effect of elastic element
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding elements and hollows are pre-positioned on the supporting frame and flanges respectively, creating an automatic anti-rotation mechanism that engages as soon as the elastic element is inserted. This preliminary constraint prevents any torsion during the tightening process, allowing the joint to be secured without applying harmful torsion preload to the elastic element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design significantly enhances the durability of the anti-noise unit by preventing torsion and maintaining effective noise attenuation, with the new unit being 4-5 times more durable and less prone to noise generation compared to traditional devices.

Implementation Method 1

the deformation of the elastic element allows to absorb any turbulence in the water flow and the sudden increases of pressure caused by rapid closure of the faucet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the means to prevent the relative slipping between the surfaces in mutual contact are made in the form of a plurality of discrete elements protruding from the outer surfaces of the ring-shaped portions of the supporting frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interference fit: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2031292B1Anti-noise unit for hydraulic systems
Publication Date: 2010.11.03 RIGHI SPA
  • EP2031292B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2031292B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An anti-noise unit for hydraulic systems is disclosed, including at least one element (10) made of elastic material having a tubular, essentially cylindrical shape (11) equipped with flanges (12) on their ends, and at least one supporting outer frame (20) made of rigid material which includes two ring-shaped end portions (22) connected by a plurality of longitudinal columns (21). Means are provided to prevent the relative slipping between the inner surfaces of the flanges (12) and the outer surfaces of the ring-shaped portions (22) placed in mutual contact.