Check Valve Assembly Mechanical Bond
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valve assemblies in high-pressure pumps require adhesive application and cleaning to secure the valve shield, which is time-consuming and prone to deterioration in corrosive environments, such as seawater.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly with a radially inwardly deflectable stem and a valve shield retained by a radially outwardly projecting catch, forming a mechanical bond that eliminates the need for adhesives and cleaning, providing a secure and durable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the valve shield to the check valve body, then the connection can be formed, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and the adhesive deteriorates in corrosive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical retention system. The stem includes radially inwardly deflectable members with radially outwardly projecting catches that mechanically engage with the valve shield, eliminating the need for adhesive application and curing time while providing a durable mechanical connection resistant to corrosive environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem members are designed to be radially inwardly deflectable, allowing dynamic adjustment during assembly. The valve shield installation causes the deflectable members to bend inward, enabling the shield to be positioned, after which the members return to their original position with the catches engaging the valve shield to secure it firmly.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the valve shield, then the connection can be formed, but cleaning is required to remove contaminants for proper adhesive bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical catch-and-retention system eliminates the need for surface preparation required by adhesive bonding. The deflectable stem members with outwardly projecting catches engage with the valve shield through pure mechanical means, requiring no cleaning or contaminant removal steps.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive bonds are used in corrosive environments, then the valve shield can be secured, but the adhesive deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the chemically-based adhesive bond with a mechanically-based retention system using deflectable stem members and catches. This mechanical connection is inherently resistant to deterioration from corrosive environments like seawater, providing long-term durability without the degradation issues of adhesive bonds.
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 mechanical bond reduces assembly time and ensures the connection remains stable in corrosive environments, as it does not deteriorate like adhesive bonds, enhancing the reliability and maintenance efficiency of the check valve assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the radially inwardly deflectable member is urged radially inwardly by the valve shield until the valve shied moves to a position allowing the radially outwardly projecting catch to snap radially outwardly to hold the shield
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a check valve assembly including a check valve having a body and a stem having at least one radially inwardly deflectable member having an end with a radially outwardly projecting catch, and a valve shield retained on the stem between the body and the end of the at least one radially inwardly deflectable member by the radially outwardly projecting catch. In this way, a mechanical bond is provided between the check valve and the valve shield, thereby eliminating the need to clean the body of the check valve to remove contaminants to allow an adhesive to hold the check valve to the valve shield.