Cartridge Valve Snap Ring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic valve designs require complex fastening methods and significant installation space due to protruding components, making them unsuitable for compact control blocks in hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge valve design utilizing a snap ring with inclined surfaces for automatic expansion and locking, eliminating the need for screw connections and reducing installation space by using a plug-in connection that secures the valve body within the housing without play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections with central threads or flange connections are used, then reliable fastening is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a snap ring made of elastic material that can be deformed radially to pass through the valve body and then returns to its original shape to lock the valve body in position. This flexible element replaces complex screw connections or flange assemblies, achieving reliable fastening while significantly reducing device complexity and installation space requirements.
2Reliability
If mounting flanges projecting laterally are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is received within an installation space in the housing and nests through the valve body during insertion. The locking element is contained within the housing structure rather than projecting laterally, allowing the valve to be mounted in a compact arrangement without requiring additional lateral space for flanges or mounting protrusions.
3Reliability
If elastic deformation of snap ring is required for installation, then locking position is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is pre-deformed by inserting it through the insertion opening in the radial direction before the valve body is inserted. This preliminary deformation action prepares the locking element for automatic engagement, allowing the valve body to then be inserted axially and trigger the snap ring's elastic recovery to achieve the locked position without requiring additional assembly steps or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap ring utilizes elastic deformation dynamics to transition between a deformed state during insertion and a recovered locked state during operation. The dynamic elastic properties of the material allow the snap ring to automatically adjust and lock the valve body in position, replacing static fastening methods with a dynamic self-locking mechanism.
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
Enables simple and quick assembly of valves without special torque requirements, reduces installation space, and ensures secure, play-free operation even with manufacturing tolerances, while preventing rotational movement through anti-twist mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the respective locking element is formed by an annular body that can be expanded into the installation position by elastic deformation for an installation process and assumes the locking position by returning to its original shape when the installation position is reached
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve, in particular for use in hydraulic circuits, comprising a valve body (4) which is designed as a cartridge, can be integrated into a housing (6) that has fluid connections (8), and can be fixed in the housing by means of a securing device (20, 26, 28). The invention is characterized in that the securing device has at least one blocking element (20) in the form of a separate component which can be found between the valve body (4) and the housing (6), said blocking element having blocking surfaces that can be moved relative to the longitudinal axis (18) of the valve body (4) between an assembly position which allows the valve body (4) to be inserted into the housing (6) and a blocking position in which the blocking surfaces secure the valve body in an assembly position preferably with zero backlash by bearing against retaining surfaces (26, 28) of the housing (6) and the valve body (4).