Coaxial Valve Insertion Mechanism for Fluid Transfer Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing equipment for transferring fluids in the automotive and energy sectors faces challenges with the complexity and time-consuming nature of coaxial valve assembly and disassembly, leading to productivity losses and potential loss of small parts during frequent operations.
Innovation Solution
The equipment features a coaxial valve system with a removable frame and seals that allow for easy insertion and extraction of valves without tools, using a module that compresses seals for secure fluidic connections and facilitates ergonomic handling, enabling simple replacement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial valves are assembled directly into the frame, then the fluid connection is secure, but the disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separable components: the valve body with integrated seals that can be independently removed from the frame. This segmentation allows the valve to be detached as a complete unit without disassembling the seal components, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A removal tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the valve assembly. The tool engages with the valve body to leverage it out of the frame without directly manipulating the seals, thereby maintaining seal integrity while enabling easy valve removal.
2Reliability
If coaxial valves are assembled directly into the frame, then the sealing is effective, but small parts may be lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The seals are merged with the valve body through integration, forming a single assembled unit where the seals cannot separate from the valve during removal. This combining eliminates the risk of small seal parts being lost during disassembly while maintaining effective sealing when the valve is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly with integrated seals is designed as a disposable or replaceable unit. Rather than attempting to recover and reuse small seal components, the entire valve assembly is replaced as a single unit, eliminating the risk of small parts loss while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the valve is secured with friction from sealing gaskets, then the connection is stable, but the removal process becomes tedious and requires specific tools
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated removal tool serves as an intermediary that applies controlled force to the valve body through its external features (such as a flange or groove). This intermediary mechanism overcomes the friction of the sealing gaskets without requiring direct manipulation of the sealed interfaces, enabling stable connection during operation and controlled removal during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design separates the sealing function (internal to the valve body) from the mechanical attachment function (external features). This segmentation allows the valve to maintain stable sealing through friction while providing external features that enable easy removal with appropriate tools.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent assembly and disassembly operations are performed, then valve replacement is necessary, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed as a modular, self-contained unit that can be quickly installed and removed without affecting other components. This segmentation enables frequent valve replacements to be performed rapidly, maintaining adaptability while minimizing impact on assembly line productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to be self-contained with integrated seals and mounting features, allowing it to be installed and removed as a complete unit without requiring separate assembly or disassembly of multiple small components. This self-service design reduces the time required for frequent valve replacements.
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 design simplifies the extraction and replacement of valves, enhancing operator safety and productivity by reducing the complexity of assembly and disassembly processes while maintaining the equipment's functionality and performance.
Implementation Method 1
due to the friction caused by the sealing gaskets on the side wall of the valves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Equipment (1) for transferring a fluid into a reservoir or downstream duct, the equipment comprising: • - at least one coaxial valve (5) that defines a central passage (106) for the fluid in an axial direction (D1), • - a frame (2) that defines, for the one part, at least one housing (9) for the valve and, for the other part, at least one upstream passage (108) for the fluid that leads into the housing and is intended to be fluidically connected to a fluid source, the valve being able to move with respect to the frame in an insertion direction (D2) between a non-inserted position and an inserted position in which the valve is situated at least partially in the housing, • - a module (4) that defines a downstream passage (110) for the fluid that is intended to be fluidically connected to the reservoir, the module being able to move with respect to the frame between an open position, allowing the insertion of the valve, and a closed position in which the module is fixed to the frame, and • - at least two seals (7, 60) that are respectively compressed substantially in the insertion direction between the valve and the frame and between the valve and the module when the valve is in the inserted position and the module is in the closed position.