Control Valve Filter Engagement Mechanism for Deformation Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control valve filters face issues with deformation, increased component complexity, and assembly difficulties due to snap-fit mechanisms and welding requirements, leading to potential detachment under hydraulic pressure and ineffective rotation stoppers.

Innovation Solution

A control valve filter with a ring-shaped frame and filter member featuring a divided portion with a recessed and projection engagement unit, where the engagement occurs from the diameter direction, reducing the risk of deformation and simplifying production, and an engagement unit thickness that matches the gap between the filter and control valve, ensuring secure attachment and effective rotation stoppage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If snap-fit mechanism is used to engage the divided portion, then assembly is simplified, but the recessed portion and projection portion are easily deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoiddeformation of engagement parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into first and second frames with engagement portions that can be assembled separately and then connected, allowing each part to be manufactured with precise dimensions while maintaining simple assembly process through the engagement structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement portion features an asymmetric structure where the width at the opening side is smaller than the width at the deeper side, creating a tapered geometry that guides assembly while distributing stress to prevent deformation of the engagement parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If stud and spot welding are used to connect the divided portion, then connection strength is improved, but component complexity and production steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnumber of components and assembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement portion integrates both the connection function and the structural function into a single element, eliminating the need for separate studs and welding operations, thereby reducing component count while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the optimized engagement structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex welding and stud assembly process is extracted and replaced by a simplified engagement structure that achieves the necessary connection strength through geometric design rather than additional components or thermal processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If welding equipment and welding step are prepared, then connection reliability is improved, but production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal welding process is replaced by a mechanical engagement system where the tapered geometry of the engagement portion provides self-aligning and self-locking features, achieving reliable connection through mechanical interference fit without requiring welding equipment or thermal processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If engagement unit thickness is increased, then attachment security is improved, but the gap between filter and control valve increases, making rotation stoppers ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidgap distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement unit thickness is optimized to a specific range (0.5-2.0 mm) that provides sufficient attachment security through the engagement structure while maintaining a compact overall profile that preserves the effectiveness of rotation stoppers by limiting the gap distance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2860429B1Control valve filter and control valve insertion structure

Publication Date: 2017.05.17 MIKUNI CORP

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

A control valve filter is provided, which does not require more components or require more steps in production, is less likely to be deformed or damaged when attached to a control valve, and of which engagement unit is not detached. A first engagement unit 16 and a second engagement unit 17 are formed to be engaged with each other at a divided portion formed in a substantially ring-shaped frame of a control valve filter. The first engagement unit 16 includes a first inclination surface 16a and a recessed portion 16b. The second engagement unit 17 includes a second inclination surface 17a capable of coming into close contact with the first inclination surface 17a and a proj ectionportion 17b engaged with the recessed portion 16b. The recessed portion 16b and the projection portion 17b are engaged from the diameter direction of the frame 11, and the first inclination surface 16a and the second inclination surface 17a are in close contact with each other, whereby the first engagement unit 16 and the second engagement unit 17 are engaged with each there, which is not engagement based on so-called snap-fit, and therefore, the recessed portion and the projection portion can be prevented from being deformed or damaged, and the shape thereof is simple, so that the trouble in production can be saved.