Cup-Shaped Valve Connector for Compact Spring-Biased Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllable valves are bulky due to the need for a connector element and biasing element to be arranged end-to-end, which increases the size of the valve housing.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve design featuring a cup-shaped connector element surrounded by a biasing element, where the actuator pushes the connector element against the biasing force, allowing for a more compact arrangement and stable force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector element and biasing element are arranged end-to-end, then the force transfer is stable, but the valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is designed with a cup-shaped geometry that allows the biasing element to be positioned inside the cup. This nested arrangement enables both elements to occupy the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the overall valve size while maintaining the end-to-end force transfer path through the connector element's structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element is oriented perpendicular to the main axial direction of the valve, extending radially from the center of the cup-shaped connector element. This dimensional change from axial to radial arrangement allows the biasing force to be applied effectively without increasing the axial length of the valve.
2Volume of moving object
If the cup-shaped connector element is used with biasing element inside, then the valve becomes compact, but the force application area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is segmented into distinct functional zones: the cup-shaped body that houses the biasing element, the bottom surface that receives actuator force, and the side walls that provide structural support. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector element is designed as a composite structure combining the cup-shaped geometry with integrated biasing element positioning features. The material distribution and structural design create multiple load paths that compensate for the reduced single-point contact area, ensuring adequate force transfer capability.
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
The compact valve design reduces the overall size of the valve, particularly in height, while maintaining accurate and reliable control of fluid flow, ensuring stable and uniform force transfer to the movable valve element.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element configured to bias the cup-shaped connector element in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
the actuator is configured to push the cup-shaped connector element in a second direction being opposite to the first direction, against a biasing force provided by the biasing element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) accommodating a movable valve element (8) for controlling a fluid flow through the valve (1), and an actuator (9) being operatively connected to the movable valve element (8) so as to cause movements thereof is disclosed. A cup-shaped connector element (10) is connected to the movable valve element (8), the cup-shaped connector element (10) defining a bottom (22), at least one wall part (23) and an open top (24), and a biasing element (20) is configured to bias the cup-shaped connector element (10) in a first direction. At least the bottom (22) of the cup-shaped connector element (10) is surrounded by the biasing element (20), and the actuator (9) is configured to push the cup-shaped connector element (10) in a second direction being opposite to the first direction, against a biasing force provided by the biasing element (20), via a contact region defined on the bottom (22) of the cup-shaped connector element (10).