Check Valve Pivot Assembly With Internal Bearings for Backflow Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves for compressor units and vacuum pumps have complex structures, leading to high manufacturing and maintenance costs, risk of breakage, and inefficiencies due to improper reinforcement and support, resulting in potential damage from back rotations and pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly with a valve plate having an elongated area with a hollow tube for shaft insertion and bearings positioned within the tube, providing robust support and reducing the risk of breakage, featuring a simple design with standard components for easy assembly and maintenance, and preventing back rotations by pivoting into a closed position during pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex structure with multiple bearings and reinforced shaft is used, then the reliability and strength of the valve connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearings (first and second bearings) and the shaft into a single integrated assembly that connects the valve plate to the valve body. This merging of components achieves reliable support while reducing the number of separate parts compared to conventional designs that use multiple discrete mounting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational support for the valve plate, maintains structural strength through bearing integration, and enables reliable connection between the valve plate and body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple design with fewer components is used, then the ease of manufacture and maintenance is improved, but the strength and reliability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the bearings directly onto the shaft as a unified assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and component inventories needed, while maintaining the structural strength required for reliable valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bearing-shaft assembly is designed to be self-contained, requiring minimal assembly steps and no specialized alignment procedures during installation. This self-service design simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while ensuring proper structural support.
3Reliability
If proper reinforcement of the shaft is implemented, then the risk of breakage is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or rounded features in the shaft design, such as rounded edges and smooth transitions, which reduce stress concentration points and minimize the risk of breakage without requiring complex reinforced structures or additional support elements.
4Reliability
If numerous non-standard components are used, then the reliability of the valve is improved, but the manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the shaft and bearing assembly to perform multiple functions within a single standardized component structure, eliminating the need for numerous specialized non-standard parts. This universal design maintains valve reliability while using common, easily manufactured components.
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 significantly increases the valve's lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and prevents damage by ensuring a robust connection, efficient fluid flow control, and energy savings by maintaining balanced pressures, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of compressor and vacuum pump systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one bearing positioned on said shaft and within said hollow tube
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve assembly for a compressor or a vacuum pump includes a valve body adapted to receive a valve plate pivoting between a first open position and a second closed position. The valve body is connected to a discharge port of a compressor unit or to the intake port of a vacuum pump. A second fluid conduit is attachable to the valve body and is connected to an external network. The assembly includes a shaft and at least one bearing for connecting the valve plate to the valve body. The valve plate includes an elongated area having a hollow tube through which the shaft is inserted for rotatably mounting the valve plate. At least one bearing is positioned on the shaft within the hollow tube.