Antirotation Reed Valve Assembly With Single-Fastener Mounting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reed valve assembly processes for compressors are time-consuming and costly due to the need for multi-step manufacturing and tool changes to prevent rotation of the reed valve assembly relative to the compressor surface.

Innovation Solution

An antirotation reed valve system that includes a reed with an antirotation slot and a backer with an antirotation protrusion, both of which are mounted to the compressor using a single fastener, thereby preventing rotation and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional multi-step manufacturing process with separate antirotation features is used, then rotation prevention is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting opening and antirotation feature are merged into a single integrated feature formed by one tool. The tool creates both the threaded mounting opening and the antirotation surface in a single operation, eliminating the need for separate antirotation features and multiple tool changes. This combining of functions directly reduces manufacturing time while maintaining rotation prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single tool performs multiple functions: it creates the threaded mounting opening for fastener attachment and simultaneously forms the antirotation surface that prevents rotational movement. This multi-functional tool eliminates the need for separate specialized tools for each feature, reducing manufacturing complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional multi-step manufacturing process with separate antirotation features is used, then rotation prevention is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting opening and antirotation feature are merged into a single integrated feature formed by one tool. The tool creates both the threaded mounting opening and the antirotation surface in a single operation, eliminating the need for separate antirotation features and multiple tool changes. This combining of functions directly reduces manufacturing time while maintaining rotation prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single tool performs multiple functions: it creates the threaded mounting opening for fastener attachment and simultaneously forms the antirotation surface that prevents rotational movement. This multi-functional tool eliminates the need for separate specialized tools for each feature, reducing manufacturing complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple fasteners and mounting openings are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting opening and antirotation feature are merged into a single integrated feature formed by one tool. The tool creates both the threaded mounting opening and the antirotation surface in a single operation, eliminating the need for separate antirotation features and multiple tool changes. This combining of functions directly reduces manufacturing time while maintaining rotation prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250122878A1Antirotation reed valve systems and methods for compressors

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 COPELAND LP

AI summary

An antirotation valve system for controlling flow through a valve opening defined in a compressor surface. The antirotation valve system includes a reed and a backer each having one mounting opening and one antirotation feature.