Integrated Cover Seal Impact Damping for Multi-Port Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-way valve designs with impact damping structures are complex and time-consuming to assemble, leading to increased production costs and material usage.
Innovation Solution
The impact damping structure is integrated into the cover seal, eliminating the need for separate assembly and allowing a single component to perform both sealing and impact damping functions, with the damping structure arranged radially from the sealing structure and secured by holding arms, reducing material usage and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the impact damping structure is assembled separately from the sealing structure, then the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming, but the impact damping function can be independently optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impact damping structure and sealing structure into a single integrated component. The impact damping structure is formed as an integral part of the cover seal, eliminating the need for separate assembly while maintaining both sealing and impact damping functions. This merging approach reduces assembly complexity and time while ensuring reliable impact damping performance.
2Reliability
If the impact damping structure is assembled separately, then the impact damping function can be optimized, but the production costs and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impact damping structure is merged with the sealing structure to form a single integrated component. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs and material usage while maintaining the impact damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover seal is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between the valve chamber and the environment, and it provides impact damping for the valve spool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If the impact damping structure is integrated into the cover seal, then the assembly process is simplified and production costs are reduced, but the impact damping structure occupies additional space within the valve chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The impact damping structure is positioned at a specific radial distance from the sealing structure, occupying only the space necessary for impact damping while leaving the sealing function intact. This localized placement minimizes the space occupied within the valve chamber while maintaining both sealing and impact damping functions.
4Area of stationary object
If the impact damping structure is arranged radially from the sealing structure, then the area occupied is minimized, but the holding arms require additional material and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The holding arms are designed as discrete elements that connect the impact damping structure to the sealing structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual holding arms while achieving the overall goal of minimizing the area occupied by the impact damping structure within the valve chamber.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces production costs, and maintains high stroke speeds while minimizing stress on valve components, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the multi-way valve.
Implementation Method 1
an axially intermediate between the valve spool and the end cap is a resilient impact cushioning structure which is an integral part of the cap seal located in the stroke of the valve spool
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A multi-way valve (1) is proposed, the valve housing (2) of which defines a valve chamber (7) in which a valve spool (3) is linearly movably mounted. The valve housing (2) includes a housing body (32) on which at least one end cap (28) is arranged, closing the valve chamber (7). A cover seal (36) is arranged between the end cap (28) and the housing body (32), which includes as an integral component an impact damping structure (38) located in the stroke path of the valve spool (3).