Expandable Attachment Ring Wedging Valve Flow Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve locking mechanisms are unreliable, causing vibrations and noise due to inadequate securing of objects in flow channels, which can lead to damage and fluid-borne debris.
Innovation Solution
An expandable attachment ring with inclined surfaces is used in combination with a shoulder in the flow channel to securely wedge the ring between the shoulder and the object, ensuring rigid and reliable attachment through expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking ring with an opening is used to secure an object in the flow channel, then the ring can be compressed for mounting and expanded to lock in place, but the securing reliability is insufficient causing vibrations and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment ring transitions from a compressed state during mounting to an expanded locked state during operation. The ring is compressed to fit through the opening in the object, then expanded using an expansion member (such as a screw mechanism) to lock firmly between the object and the shoulder in the flow channel wall, providing dynamic adaptation from installation to operational state
Solution Approach 2:
An expansion member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the attachment ring and the mounting process. The expansion member (screw, wedge, or similar device) is inserted through the opening in the object and engaged with the attachment ring, providing the mechanical force needed to expand the ring and lock it securely in place without requiring complex external tools
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking ring does not secure the object firmly, then mounting is easier, but fluid passing through causes vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment ring's diameter parameter is changed from a compressed state during installation to an expanded state during operation. By controlling the expansion degree through the expansion member, the ring achieves optimal contact pressure with both the object and the shoulder, eliminating vibration and noise while maintaining ease of installation through the initial compressed state
3Reliability
If the attachment ring is expanded to wedge securely between the shoulder and object, then vibration and noise are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the attachment ring itself, the expansion member (separate from the ring), and the opening in the object. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the ring for secure attachment, the expansion member for controlled deployment - while maintaining overall simplicity through modular assembly
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 solution effectively prevents vibrations and noise, ensuring secure attachment of objects within the flow channel, reducing the risk of damage and fluid-borne debris, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of valve systems.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment ring (1) has a radial expansion capability. The attachment ring (1) and the ends (11, 12) of the ring (1) which are located on opposite sides of the opening (10) are mutually shaped to expand the attachment ring (1) by pushing the ends (11, 12) away from each other
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the second surface (6) of the attachment ring (1) and the surface of the shoulder (7) is inclined in order to wedge the attachment ring (1) between the surface (7) of the shoulder and the object (4) when the attachment ring (1) is expanded
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment ring for attaching an object in a flow channel. The attachment ring has a first surface for contacting the object and a second surface for contacting a surface of a shoulder. An expansion member expands the attachment ring by pushing the ends away from each other when the expansion member is moved into the opening. At least one of the second surface of the attachment ring and the surface of the shoulder is inclined in order to wedge the attachment ring between the surface of the shoulder and the object when the attachment ring is expanded by the expansion member.