Modular Valve Cartridge for Rapid Function Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems require complete replacement or extensive reworking when changing functions from pressure-reducing to pressure-maintaining, leading to time-consuming maintenance and limited reversibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular valve design where a preassembled cartridge, containing all necessary components including a piston, membrane, and sealing surfaces, is used within a universal housing, allowing easy function changes without reworking the housing, with the cartridge defining the valve's function and sealing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire valve is replaced when changing function from pressure-reducing to pressure-maintaining, then the valve's function can be changed, but the maintenance time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two main segments: a reusable housing and a replaceable cartridge containing all function-specific components (piston, membrane, sealing surfaces). This segmentation allows the cartridge to be replaced independently when changing valve function, avoiding the need to replace or rework the entire valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of cartridges for different valve functions (pressure-reducing, pressure-maintaining, etc.). The standardized interface and mounting features enable the same housing to support various cartridge types, making the valve system multi-functional without requiring housing modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If internal components are replaced separately to change valve function, then component replacement is possible, but the housing must be modified which is time-consuming and irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
All function-specific components are pre-assembled into a complete cartridge unit before installation into the housing. The cartridge is manufactured as a self-contained module with all necessary components (piston, membrane, sealing surfaces) already in place, eliminating the need for housing modification during function changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed to nest within the housing, with the cartridge containing all function-specific components in a compact arrangement. The cartridge fits into a dedicated space within the housing, allowing easy installation and removal without affecting the housing structure.
3Reliability
If numerous individual parts are used in the valve, then the valve functionality can be achieved, but maintenance becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual components (piston, membrane, sealing surfaces, springs, and related parts) are merged into a single integrated cartridge assembly. This consolidation maintains all necessary valve functionalities while reducing the number of separate parts that need to be handled during maintenance, as the entire functional assembly is replaced as one unit.
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
Enables quick and cost-effective conversion between pressure-reducing and pressure-maintaining functions, minimizing manufacturing costs and maintenance efforts, while maintaining the pressure setting unit's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The piston (13) is pre-tensioned towards the valve seat (17) by means of a spring (11)
Implementation Method 2
the cartridge preferably comprises an inner housing (5), a fastening means (12), a piston (13) and a diaphragm (7), wherein the diaphragm serves to divide the housing into a medium-free and a medium-flowing area
Implementation Method 3
The piston, or rather the sealing seat located between the valve element and the annular projection of the housing, only closes when the pressure building up in the valve or piston chamber is so high that it exceeds the permissible outlet pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Valve for liquid and gaseous media, in particular for regulating pressure in pipelines, comprising a housing made of at least one upper and lower part, a pressure adjusting unit, wherein the pressure adjusting unit has a spindle, a spring plate, a spring retainer and at least one spring, a cartridge, wherein the cartridge forms a functional unit by means of which the function of the valve is defined, wherein the cartridge preferably comprises an inner housing, a fastening means, a piston and a diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm serves to divide the housing into a medium-free and a medium-flowing area, wherein the cartridge is pre-assembled as a functional unit and is arranged in the housing as a complete unit that is interchangeable.