Membrane Check Valve Structure for Low-Part Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves for motor vehicle fluid circuits, particularly in spraying devices, are complex and costly due to a high number of parts, which complicates manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified check valve design with a housing, a membrane element, and a limited number of parts, where the membrane element has a radially elastically deformable contact portion and is immobilized axially between a seat and a pin, reducing the number of components to three, allowing for easier assembly and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional check valve design with multiple parts (e.g., elastomer diaphragm element and compression coil spring) is used, then the valve can effectively control fluid flow, but the number of parts increases leading to higher manufacturing and assembly costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional valve components into a single integrated membrane element. The membrane element integrates the sealing function (contact portion), the actuating function (deformable body), and the structural support (rigid portion) that were previously separate components. This merging reduces the part count from multiple components to just three main parts: housing, membrane element, and seal ring, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining effective fluid flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs sealing, actuating, and structural support functions. The contact portion provides sealing against the housing wall, the deformable body acts as the actuating element responsive to fluid pressure, and the rigid portion provides structural support and positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing elements, springs, and positioning components
2Ease of manufacture
If a simplified check valve design with limited parts is used, then manufacturing and assembly costs are reduced, but the robustness of the valve may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane element is designed with different local properties to optimize both simplicity and robustness. The contact portion is made elastically deformable for sealing functionality, the body portion is deformable for actuation responsiveness, and the distal portion is made rigid for structural support. This local differentiation of material properties within a single component allows the simplified three-part design to maintain robustness while reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane element is made from an elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility and durability. The elastomeric composition allows the single membrane element to simultaneously provide the sealing characteristics of a diaphragm, the actuating response of a spring-loaded mechanism, and the structural integrity of a rigid component, thereby maintaining valve robustness with fewer parts
3Reliability
If the membrane element has a decreasing cross-section from proximal to distal end, then the valve achieves effective sealing and flow control, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane element utilizes the properties of flexible elastomeric material to achieve the decreasing cross-section profile. The flexibility of the elastomeric material allows the tapered geometry to be molded as a single piece without requiring high manufacturing precision. The material's elasticity compensates for minor dimensional variations, ensuring effective sealing contact with the housing wall while maintaining ease of manufacture through injection molding or similar processes
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 simplified design reduces manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining effective fluid flow control, preventing reflux and ensuring quicker initiation of spraying operations.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane element, extending at least partially inside the internal volume of the housing, the membrane element having a contact portion elastically deformable radially between a sealing position in which the contact portion comes into contact with an internal wall of the internal volume and a fluidic opening position in which the fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet around the membrane element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
This non-return valve (10) comprises a housing (12) delimiting an internal volume (18) provided with an inlet (14), an outlet (16), a diaphragm (100), extending at least partially inside the internal volume (18) of the housing (12), the diaphragm (100) having a contact portion (102) elastically deformable radially between a sealing position in which the contact portion (102) comes into contact with an internal wall of the internal volume (18) and a fluidic opening position in which the fluid can flow from the inlet (14) to the outlet (16) around the diaphragm (100).The membrane (100) having axially decreasing cross-section, the housing (12) includes on the inlet side (14) an internal seat (50) for receiving the distal part (104) and on the outlet side (16), an axial extension spike (60) configured to extend inside the proximal part (102) of the membrane (100) such that the membrane (100) is axially immobilized between the seat (50) and the spike (60).