Multi-Piece Diaphragm Valve Fitting for Lightweight Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fitting assemblies for containment vessels, such as fluid tanks, are heavy, cumbersome, and expensive due to their machined or cast construction, which can cause damage and are difficult to install, especially when suspended from an upper valve body.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece construction fitting assembly with a hollow pedestal and fitting body joined via welding or additive processes like 3D printing, reducing weight and cost while providing structural rigidity through features like rib members and flanges to distribute forces effectively, facilitating easier installation and reduced risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional machined or cast construction is used for fitting assemblies, then structural strength and rigidity are ensured, but weight increases and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing ribs only in specific locations where structural reinforcement is needed, rather than making the entire fitting assembly thick and heavy. The ribs are strategically positioned to strengthen the hollow pedestal and fitting body at stress concentration points while maintaining lightweight construction in non-critical areas.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional machined or cast construction is used for fitting assemblies, then structural rigidity is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting assembly is segmented into multiple components including a hollow pedestal, fitting body, and separate rib structures that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes compared to conventional single-piece machining or casting, while maintaining structural rigidity through the assembled rib reinforcements.
3Reliability
If conventional heavy fitting assemblies are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting assembly is divided into separable components (hollow pedestal, fitting body, ribs) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This segmentation results in a lighter overall weight that is easier to handle and install, while the assembled rib structures maintain structural integrity at critical joints and connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structures are designed to be pre-formed and then attached to the hollow pedestal and fitting body during assembly. This preliminary preparation of reinforcement elements allows for easier installation compared to conventional heavy monolithic structures, as the ribs can be pre-manufactured and then simply positioned and secured at the appropriate locations during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting assembly includes a fitting body and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a hollow pedestal, an actuator shaft, and a sealing member. The hollow pedestal includes upper and lower ends. The hollow pedestal is disposed in a valve opening defined by the fitting body such that the upper end is disposed in a passageway defined by the fitting body and the lower end is external to the passageway. The actuator shaft is disposed in the hollow pedestal and is movably coupled with the hollow pedestal. The sealing member is coupled with the actuator shaft adjacent the upper end and at least partially movable together with the actuator shaft. The sealing member is configured to selectively interface with an upper valve body to provide a seal therebetween. The fitting body and the hollow pedestal are formed of a multi-piece construction and are joined together at the valve opening.