Check Valve Union Assembly for Free Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valve assemblies fail to allow multiple components to freely orient and align when coupled and threaded to piping ends, leading to installation challenges and increased costs due to the use of stainless steel fittings.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly comprising a check valve, housing, body adapter, and locking ring that allows components to freely orient and align through a union formed by mating surfaces and flange couplings, reducing the need for costly stainless steel fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stainless steel fittings are used to couple piping components, then the components can be connected, but the components cannot freely orient and align, leading to installation challenges and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into separate components (first component, second component, and union) that can be independently positioned and aligned. The union acts as a separate segment that receives both components, allowing each to be oriented freely before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The union serves as an intermediary component between the first and second components. It mediates the connection by providing a common interface that both components can attach to, enabling free orientation and alignment without direct coupling between the components.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fittings are used to ensure proper orientation and alignment, then alignment is achieved, but the cost and length of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The union combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides alignment features, sealing surfaces, and connection interfaces for both components. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment fittings and reduces overall assembly length.
Solution Approach 2:
The union is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously achieves orientation, alignment, sealing, and mechanical connection. This universal design replaces multiple specialized fittings, reducing both cost and length while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If traditional fittings are used for coupling, then connection is established, but the cost of the assembly increases due to stainless steel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The union is designed as a cost-effective replacement for expensive stainless steel fittings. While the individual components may use different materials, the overall assembly achieves comparable reliability at reduced cost by using the union as a standardized, manufacturable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the material and structural parameters of the connection interface. By using the union with its specific geometric features and sealing interfaces, the assembly achieves reliable connection without requiring expensive stainless steel materials throughout the entire assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve assembly includes multiple components. for coupling together first and second pipes, and has multiple components, including a check valve, a check valve housing, a check valve body adapter and a locking ring. A mating surface coupling between a check valve body adapter inlet mating surface and a check valve housing outlet mating surface together with a flange coupling between a check valve body adapter inlet coupling flange and a locking ring inwardly extending and circumferentially extending flange combines to form a check valve assembly union U that allows the multiple components of the check valve assembly to freely orient and align when the check valve assembly is threaded and coupled to the first and second pipes.