Explosion Protection Valve Floating Bearing for Tolerance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosion protection valves face issues with manufacturing tolerances and free flow cross-section impairment due to rigid bearing arrangements and additional functional components, which affect sealing behavior and flow efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a 'floating bearing' system with play in the suspension arrangements for the guide rod, utilizing a flexible retaining ring and planar bearing surfaces, which allows for tolerance compensation and integration of functional means without interfering with the flow cross-section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid bearing arrangements are firmly connected to the valve housing, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing tolerances cannot be compensated and sealing behavior deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsealing behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the rigid, fixed bearing arrangement into a dynamic, adjustable system. The suspension cross members are firmly connected to allow stable mounting, while the guide rod can adjust its position within the bearing arrangements to compensate for manufacturing tolerances during operation, optimizing sealing behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the guide rod position to vary within the bearing arrangements. This adjustment capability changes the geometric parameters of the valve assembly, enabling compensation for manufacturing tolerances and optimization of sealing behavior while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional functional means are added to the valve, then functionality is improved, but free flow cross section is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidfree flow cross section
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates functional means (locking device, scanning device) within the existing suspension cross members and bearing arrangements. These functional components are nested within the structural elements, allowing additional functionality without adding separate external components that would obstruct the free flow cross section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension cross members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the guide rod, enable adjustment for tolerance compensation, and integrate additional functional means such as locking and scanning devices. This multi-functionality approach adds capabilities while minimizing space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3953623B1Explosion protection valve for decoupling system parts or workpieces, comprising a bearing assembly for the valve closing body
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 RICO SICHERHEITSTECHNIK AG
  • EP3953623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3953623B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3953623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an explosion protection valve for decoupling system parts or workpieces, in particular for installing into a pipeline, comprising - a housing (1), - a closing body (7) which is axially guided on a guide rod (13) within the housing (1) and which can be moved from a defined open position into a sealing closed position, in which the closing body (7) can be fixed by means of a locking device (V), in at least one closing movement direction (SB) in the event of a pressure or suction wave in the pipeline, - a spring assembly (18), which is operatively connected to the closing body (7), on the guide rod (13) for holding the closing body (7) in the open position, - bearing assemblies (L) which support each end of the guide rod (13) and each of which is attached to the housing (1) via at least one suspension cross bar (32), and - a bearing for the at least one suspension cross bar (32) in a receiving opening (39) on the housing (1), said bearing being subject to play.