Modular Valve Body Interfaces for Flexible Adapter Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular valve body systems lack flexibility and efficiency in design and manufacturing, particularly for valve blocks with multiple valve seats and fluid channel openings, leading to increased design effort, manufacturing costs, and reduced adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular valve body system with interchangeable connection adapters featuring interlocking threads and elastomer-free sealing, allowing for independent manufacturing of valve bodies and adapters, enabling flexible design and easy replacement of adapters, and ensuring secure and efficient fluid-tight connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connection adapters are integrated into the valve body as a single component, then manufacturing strength is improved, but design flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection adapters are separated from the valve body into independent interchangeable components. The valve body contains connection geometries (recesses or protrusions) that receive corresponding connection adapters, allowing the adapters to be manufactured separately and attached to the valve body. This segmentation enables different adapter configurations to be used with the same valve body, improving design flexibility while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection adapters are fixed to the valve body, then connection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with standardized connection geometries that can accommodate multiple types of connection adapters. Each connection adapter features a standardized interface that complements the valve body's connection geometry, allowing the same valve body to work with different adapters for various connection types (e.g., threaded, flanged, welded). This universal interface design enables connection versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the core valve body remains unchanged.
3Ease of manufacture
If connection adapters are made as separate components, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection adapters are designed with pre-formed connection geometries that precisely complement the valve body's connection features. The adapters can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for their specific geometry and material requirements, then attached to the valve body through standardized mounting mechanisms. This preliminary design of standardized interfaces ensures reliable connections while allowing each component to be manufactured with optimal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry serves as an intermediary interface between the valve body and connection adapters. This standardized interface includes precisely engineered mating features (recesses, protrusions, threading) that ensure accurate alignment and secure mechanical connection. The intermediary connection geometry transfers loads reliably between the separately manufactured components, maintaining connection reliability despite the modular design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular valve body system (2) which comprises: a valve body (4), wherein the valve body (4) comprises at least one valve seat (6) and at least two fluid channel openings (10, 20) of respective fluid channels (12, 22) which are connected to the valve seat (6) in order to conduct fluid, wherein a first connection geometry (14; 24) is connected to the relevant fluid channel opening (10; 20), and at least two connection adapters (100, 200), wherein each connection adapter (100; 200) comprises two fluid channel openings (102, 106; 202, 206) which are interconnected via a connection fluid channel (110; 210), wherein a second connection geometry (104; 204) is connected to the fluid channel opening (102; 202), facing the valve body (4), of the relevant connection adapter (100; 200), wherein a third connection geometry (108; 208) is connected to the fluid channel opening (106; 206), facing away from the valve body (4), of the relevant connection adapter (100; 200), wherein each connection adapter (100; 200) is fixed by means of the first and second connection geometry (14, 104; 24, 204) such that it cannot be pulled out with respect to the valve body (4).