Ball Valve Core with Alternating Curvatures for Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball valves suffer from air leakage due to deformations during use, especially in sports balls, and lack reliable methods for checking and adjusting pressure without compromising the ball's smooth motion.
Innovation Solution
A valve manufacturing method involving a core and casing formed from elastic materials, where the core is produced first and then encased using injection molding, eliminating the need for inserting the core into the casing, and incorporating alternating concave and convex sections for enhanced sealing, along with an electromagnetic coil for inductive charging and pressure sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the core is pressed into the casing during assembly using conventional methods, then the valve can be manufactured with separate components, but deformations occur that damage the casing and reduce air tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The core and casing are merged into a single integrated component manufactured as one piece through injection molding, eliminating the assembly step that causes deformations and air leakage. The core is formed directly within the casing mold, creating a seamless bond between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The core is pre-formed with a contour that corresponds to the inner contour of the casing before final assembly. This preliminary shaping allows the core to fit precisely into the casing without requiring forceful insertion that would cause deformations.
2Reliability
If angular and rectangular projections are used on the core, then the surface area increases for better sealing, but air can more easily escape through deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The core is given a substantially spherical shape with a smooth outer contour that corresponds to the inner contour of the casing. This curved, continuous surface provides effective sealing while resisting deformation under pressure, unlike angular or rectangular projections that create stress concentration points.
3Ease of manufacture
If the core is inserted into the casing during assembly, then the valve can be manufactured in steps, but the core and casing deform which damages the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The core and casing are merged into a single integrated component manufactured as one piece through injection molding, eliminating the assembly step that causes deformations and air leakage. The core is formed directly within the casing mold, creating a seamless bond between components.
4Ease of operation
If conventional valves are used, then the ball can be inflated, but the ball lacks reliable pressure checking and adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the inflation/deflation mechanism and the pressure monitoring system. The integrated design allows the same component to control air flow while also providing pressure feedback through its structural response or integrated sensors.
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 solution provides improved air tightness, allows for reliable pressure checking and adjustment, and simplifies the manufacturing process by avoiding core insertion-related deformations, while enabling inductive charging and pressure feedback without external components.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an electromagnetic coil for inductive charging and pressure sensing
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for a ball includes a casing and a core. The core is arranged at least partially inside the casing. The core comprises a first sealing area with a plurality of sections which have alternating concave and convex curvatures.