Control Valve With Resin Connection Member for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control valves face challenges in downsizing and weight reduction due to complex connection structures and the use of multiple dedicated parts.

Innovation Solution

A control valve design featuring a valve main body and a can made of the same metal, with a resin connection member that includes a fastening portion for piping, integrated through insert molding, and fixed by welding, reducing the number of parts and eliminating the need for additional fastening and seal members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple dedicated parts and complex connection structures are used to connect the valve main body and can, then the structural integrity and sealing reliability are improved, but the device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidvalve weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the sealing element (with sealing protrusions fitting into sealing grooves) and the fastening element (with threaded portions for bolts). This merging eliminates the need for separate seal members and fasteners, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable sealing and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated parts and complex connection structures are used to connect the valve main body and can, then the structural integrity and sealing reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member combines sealing features (protrusions and grooves) and fastening features (threaded portions) into a single integrated component. This reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled and managed, simplifying the overall connection structure while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing through its protrusions that fit into grooves on the valve main body and can, provides fastening through its threaded portions for bolt attachment, and structurally connects the valve main body to the can. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated parts needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different metal materials are used for the valve main body and can, then the material optimization for specific functions is improved, but the corrosion resistance and assembly simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial optimizationVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve main body and can are both made from the same metal material (stainless steel), creating material homogeneity throughout the structure. This eliminates galvanic corrosion that would occur between dissimilar metals, simplifies the assembly process by using compatible materials, and maintains uniform corrosion resistance across all metal components while still allowing for functional design variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 achieves a significant reduction in size and weight while enhancing structural integrity and reducing the risk of liquid leaks, as the same metal materials for the valve main body and can minimize corrosion and the need for complex assembly processes.

Implementation Method 1

The valve main body and the connection member may be integrated according to an insert molding. Further, the can and the valve main body may be firmly fixed by welding.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

The valve main body and the connection member may be integrated according to an insert molding.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInsert molding:

Data Source

PatentEP3392536B1Control valve and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 FUJIKOKI CORP
  • EP3392536B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3392536B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3392536B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention provides a control valve which makes the downsizing and the weight reduction possible and a method of manufacturing the same. The control valve is provided with a valve main body in which a valve chamber is formed in its inner portion, a connection member which is firmly fixed to the valve main body, and a can which is firmly fixed to the valve main body. The valve main body and the can include the same metal material. The connection member is made of a resin. The connection member is provided with a fastening portion for connecting piping parts.