Dual-Valve Spring Layout to Prevent Buckling in Control Bores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve designs with separate coil springs for different spring sections require multiple components, increasing manufacturing costs and space requirements, and are prone to buckling under pressure, which compromises the valve's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A compact valve design using a single coil spring with a central spring section having a winding pitch equal to the wire diameter, ensuring stable force transmission and preventing buckling, while allowing for independent actuation of two valve members through distinct drive devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate coil springs are used for different spring sections, then the valve can provide independent spring sections, but the manufacturing cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent spring sectionsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate coil springs into a single compression spring that serves multiple spring sections (first, second, and third spring sections). This single spring is arranged between the first and second valve members, eliminating the need for multiple separate springs and reducing component count while maintaining the functional benefits of multiple spring sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single compression spring is divided into distinct functional sections (first, second, and third spring sections) with different coil pitches. Each section serves a specific function: the first and second spring sections have greater coil pitches for flexibility, while the third central spring section has a smaller coil pitch for stability and force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate coil springs are used for different spring sections, then the valve can provide independent spring sections, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent spring sectionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional spring sections are used, then the valve can operate, but buckling occurs under pressure compromising functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidspring stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different coil pitch characteristics to different sections of the same spring. The third central spring section has a smaller coil pitch (tighter winding) specifically in the region where it connects the first and second spring sections. This localized structural variation provides enhanced stability and prevents buckling under pressure in the critical central region, while the first and second spring sections maintain greater coil pitches for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances operational reliability by reducing manufacturing costs, maintaining a compact size, and ensuring stable force transmission, preventing buckling and maintaining the valve's alignment along the bore axis, thus improving the valve's overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

the helical spring compresses or expands depending on the respective direction of movement, resulting in an increase or decrease in the deformation energy stored in the helical spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the central spring section has a central winding pitch which is at least almost identical, in particular identical, to a wire diameter of the compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4471307A1Valve for controlling fluid flows

Publication Date: 2024.12.04 FESTO AG & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve (1; 101) for controlling fluid flows, comprising a valve housing (2; 102) in which a control bore (22; 122) is formed, in which a first valve element (6; 106) movable between a first opening position and a first closing position and a second valve element (7; 107) movable between a second opening position and a second closing position are received, comprising a first drive device (26; 126) for the first valve element (6; 106) and a second drive device (27; 127) for the second valve element (7; 107), as well as a compression spring (5) designed as a helical spring. According to the invention, the compression spring (5) has a central spring section (63) which is arranged between the first valve member (6; 106) and the second valve member (7; 107) and which has a central coil pitch (83) which is at least nearly identical to a wire diameter (74) of the compression spring (5).