Check Valve Locking Key and Conical Spring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves lack versatility in cracking pressure settings, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, with a need for both fixed and variable cracking pressures, a locking feature, and increased flow rates, while also requiring a design that ensures uniform sealing and manual air dumping capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design with a minimal number of parts, utilizing a conical spring for uniform sealing and a removable locking key to prevent opening, along with a manual dump feature for air release, achieving increased reliability and flow rates while reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a check valve uses a conventional design with multiple parts to achieve variable cracking pressure and locking features, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed with a single integrated body that incorporates multiple functions: the valve body itself serves as both the structural component and the cracking pressure adjustment mechanism. The spring assembly provides both the sealing force and the cracking pressure control, while the locking mechanism is integrated into the existing components rather than being a separate assembly. This multi-functionality approach allows the valve to achieve variable cracking pressure, locking capability, and manual dumping all within a minimal part structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into unified components. The spring assembly serves dual purposes of maintaining seal integrity and controlling cracking pressure. The locking feature is merged with the existing valve body and poppet structure rather than being a separate mechanism. The pull cord system is integrated into the valve body, allowing manual operation without additional complex mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces the total number of parts while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If a check valve uses a conventional design with multiple parts to ensure reliable sealing and locking, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing mechanism and locking mechanism into a unified structure. The poppet and spring assembly work together to provide both sealing and locking functions. The O-ring seal is integrated directly into the poppet structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing components. This integration reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while maintaining reliable sealing through the coordinated action of the integrated components.
3Productivity
If a check valve uses a conventional design with complex internal structure to achieve high flow rate, then the flow capacity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with segmented flow passages that optimize fluid flow while maintaining structural simplicity. The internal geometry is divided into distinct zones that guide flow efficiently from the inlet through the poppet area to the outlet. This segmentation allows high flow capacity without requiring complex internal components or multiple parts, as the flow optimization is achieved through the geometric design of the valve body itself rather than through complex internal mechanisms.
4Manufacturing precision
If a check valve uses a conventional spring design to achieve uniform sealing force around the poppet periphery, then the sealing uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a conical spring with a curved geometry that naturally distributes force uniformly around the poppet periphery. The conical shape of the spring creates a radial force distribution that ensures even sealing pressure across the entire sealing surface. This curved geometric design achieves uniform sealing force without requiring complex multi-spring assemblies or additional force-distribution mechanisms, as the uniformity is inherent in the conical geometry of the single spring.
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 check valve design provides a reliable, cost-effective solution with uniform cracking pressure, a locking feature to prevent unwanted opening, and a manual dump function, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of inflatable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve of the invention cooperates with a conical spring to assure that it seals uniformly around its entire periphery facilitating more uniform cracking pressure about its entire periphery.
Implementation Method 2
The check valve of the invention comprises a removable locking key that engages the poppet to preclude it from cracking open irrespective of the cracking pressure exerted on it that would otherwise crack the valve open.
Implementation Method 3
check valves designed to allow the flow of a fluid such as a gas in one direction but to block or 'check' the flow of the fluid in the opposite direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A check valve for an inflatable device comprising a poppet urged by a conical spring to annularly seal uniformly around its entire periphery to assure more uniform cracking pressure about its entire periphery. In one embodiment the check valve comprises a locking key to lock the valve closed irrespective of the cracking pressure that may otherwise may have cracked the valve open. In another embodiment, the check valve comprises a manual dump feature that allows rapid dumping of air from the inflatable irrespective of low cracking pressure that may exist in the inflatable.