Check Valve Member Geometry to Prevent Sticking in Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves with disc-shaped valve members made of silicone tend to stick together during bulk packing and assembly due to their flat geometry, leading to 'shingling' issues that complicate automated assembly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a valve member with a 'jack' shape geometry and castellated feet around the perimeter, reducing exposed surface area for sticking and preventing contact during assembly, with a valve stem portion and longitudinally extending feet that minimize friction and allow concentric alignment in the check valve cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If disc-shaped valve members with flat geometry are used, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the valve members stick together during bulk packing and assembly due to their flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed with a curved, dome-shaped geometry instead of a flat disc shape. This curvature reduces the surface area available for sticking during bulk packing and assembly, while maintaining structural integrity and sealing functionality. The rounded shape allows valve members to nestle together more efficiently without adhering.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds vertical dimension to the valve member design by incorporating a stem portion that extends from the valve body. This three-dimensional configuration reduces lateral surface contact between adjacent valve members during stacking, minimizing sticking issues while preserving the sealing surface functionality.
2Reliability
If silicone material is used for the valve member, then the material is flexible and seals well, but the natural stickiness of silicone causes valve members to adhere together during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The curved, dome-shaped geometry of the valve member reduces the contact surface area between adjacent silicone valves during bulk packing and assembly. This minimizes the adhesive bonding that occurs between silicone surfaces, making handling easier while preserving the material's sealing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is segmented into distinct functional zones: a valve body for sealing, a stem portion for actuation, and reduced-contact exterior surfaces. This segmentation allows the silicone material to maintain its sealing properties at the sealing surface while minimizing sticky contact areas during handling and assembly.
3Productivity
If flat disc-shaped valve members are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but automated assembly becomes difficult due to shingling and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The curved, dome-shaped valve member design prevents flat surfaces from adhering during automated bulk handling and assembly processes. This geometry eliminates shingling issues that plague flat disc-shaped valves, enabling reliable automated assembly while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a two-dimensional flat disc to a three-dimensional form with a stem portion and curved body, the valve member achieves better spatial arrangement during automated assembly. The additional vertical dimension prevents lateral sticking while the overall structure remains manufacturable using standard molding techniques.
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
This configuration reduces the likelihood of sticking by up to 69% and facilitates easier assembly and transportation by minimizing surface contact, while maintaining the valve member's concentric position under back pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible valve member mounted in the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction, and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve, a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve, and a cavity interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The check valve further includes a valve member mounted in the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction, and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The valve member includes a valve body and a valve stem portion extending axially through a central axis of the valve body. The valve member may further include a plurality of feet disposed about and extending longitudinally from an outer circumferential perimeter of the valve body.