Float-Type Air Venting Valve Integrated Stop Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional float-type air venting valves for heating systems incur additional costs and complexity due to separate support elements for the float, which can lead to sliding issues and reduced efficiency from dirt exposure and misalignment, causing assembly and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A float-type air venting valve design that integrates stop means within the cup-shaped element to securely retain the shank of the closing member, eliminating the need for separate float support and preventing sliding and sealing problems by using a crosspiece connecting the float to the shank, which engages with internal guide walls to maintain the float's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate float supporting basket is provided, then the float is supported and protected during storage and installation, but additional cost and assembly operations are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the float support function directly into the cup-shaped cover structure by providing internal guiding surfaces and stop means within the cover itself, eliminating the need for a separate supporting basket. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly operations while maintaining float support and protection capabilities.
2Reliability
If bridge-shaped support elements with guiding surfaces are used, then the float is supported, but dirt and sediments cause sliding problems and reduce valve efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the exposed guiding surfaces from the float support structure and relocates them to the internal surfaces of the cup-shaped cover. This extraction of the guiding function from the float itself prevents dirt and sediments from accumulating on sliding surfaces, as the cover's internal geometry provides protected guidance paths that are not exposed to the water surface environment.
3Ease of operation
If bridge-shaped elements slide on guiding surfaces, then the float is guided, but misalignments obstruct free movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the guidance function into multiple segments: vertical guiding surfaces for axial movement, radial guiding surfaces for lateral positioning, and stop means for positional limits. This segmentation of guidance functions into distinct geometric features of the cup-shaped cover allows the float to move freely in the vertical direction while being laterally constrained, reducing sensitivity to misalignment issues.
4Reliability
If additional support elements are added, then the float is better supported, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup-shaped cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the valve housing, provides float support through internal guiding surfaces, offers float protection, and includes integrated stop means for positional control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support elements, reducing construction complexity while maintaining comprehensive float support.
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 design enhances reliability and efficiency by eliminating additional assembly costs and operational issues, ensuring the float remains securely engaged and resistant to dirt exposure, resulting in a more economical and reliable air venting solution.
Implementation Method 1
a closing member (19) supported by the same valve seat (18) by means of a helical spring (20)
Implementation Method 2
a float (21) operatively connected to said shank (19')
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The air venting valve (10), comprises a cup-shaped element (11) having a housing (13) for a valve body (14) provided with a valve seat (18); a frontal closing member (19) is supported by the valve body (14) to move between a raised position in which it closes the valve seat (18) and a lowered position in which it opens the valve seat (18). The closing member (19) has a shank (19') which extends inside the cup-shaped element (11) to engage with an axially sliding float (21) which controls the same closing member (19). The cup-shaped element (11) comprises stop means (25) shaped and disposed to stop the shank (19') of the closing member (19) in the lowered open position; in this open position, the float (21) is held by the shank (19') of the closing member (19) resting against the stop means (25).