Diaphragm Valve Locking Assembly for Fast Diaphragm Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm valves experience frequent wear and require frequent replacement, especially in aseptic conditions, and the current fastening mechanisms are time-consuming and complex, necessitating multiple parts for sealing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm valve design featuring fastening elements with locking elements that allow quick detachment and reassembly, enabling easy diaphragm replacement without unscrewing the valve body, and a simple structure for both internal and external sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw fastening is used to attach cap to valve body, then secure fastening is achieved, but diaphragm replacement becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into modular components: a cap with integrated fastening elements, a valve body with corresponding receiving features, and locking elements that can be independently operated. This segmentation allows the cap to be quickly detached and reattached without complex procedures, directly enabling easy diaphragm replacement while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, transforming the static screw fastening into a dynamic system. This allows rapid transition between fastened and unfastened states through simple movement of locking elements, dramatically reducing diaphragm replacement time while ensuring secure connection when locked.
2Reliability
If multiple additional sealing pieces are added to ensure external sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but valve structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into integrated sealing elements that combine diaphragm sealing and external sealing in a single component. The cap and valve body designs incorporate sealing features directly into their structures, eliminating the need for separate sealing pieces while maintaining reliable external sealing, thus simplifying the overall valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the diaphragm provides both shut-off and sealing functions, while the cap and valve body interfaces are designed to provide structural support and sealing in one integrated connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the valve structure while ensuring reliable sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve is provided having a valve body (2), a shut-off diaphragm (6), a cap (10) attached to the shut-off diaphragm, a plurality of fastening elements (16) fastened to the cap (10), each having a head (40), and at least one locking element (15). The at least one locking element is held captive on the valve body, able to move between an unlocked position in which it allows the passage of the head of the corresponding fastening elements and a locked position in which it engages beneath the head of the fastening elements to allow the fastening of the cap (10) on the valve body (2) by tightening of the one or more fastening elements (16).