Monolithic One-Way Valve for Tubular Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid systems require additional fittings for one-way valves, leading to potential leaks, increased system length, and higher assembly costs, as well as the need for dedicated housings, which complicates the integration of one-way flow functionality.
Innovation Solution
A unitary, monolithic one-way valve device with a frame and a spherical ball that can be inserted directly into a tube, eliminating the need for a dedicated housing, and optionally featuring an insertion tool for easy installation, and a duckbill member for reconfigurable flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional one-way valve with dedicated housing is used, then the valve provides reliable one-way flow control, but the system requires additional fittings which increases assembly complexity and potential leak sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the one-way valve mechanism directly into the tubular member structure, eliminating the need for separate housings and fittings. The valve components (ball, seat, spring) are integrated within the tube wall or lumen, creating a unified structure that reduces assembly steps and potential leak points while maintaining reliable one-way flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular member is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural conduit and the housing for the one-way valve mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated valve housings and reduces the number of components required in the fluid system.
2Reliability
If additional fittings are used for one-way valve installation, then the valve can be properly housed, but the overall system length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve components are nested within the existing tubular member structure. The ball and seat assembly is positioned inside the tube lumen or embedded in the tube wall, utilizing the existing tubular space rather than adding external housings. This nesting approach provides proper valve housing without increasing the overall system length.
3Reliability
If conventional valve fittings are used, then the valve can be installed, but assembly costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve installation function directly into the tubular member manufacturing process. The valve components are either molded into the tube during fabrication or inserted as integral parts, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
4Device complexity
If a unitary monolithic frame is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is manufactured as a unitary monolithic structure using injection molding or similar processes, combining multiple functional elements (support structure, ball containment members, spring housing) into a single molded part. This reduces the number of assembly steps while the molding process inherently provides the necessary precision for the moving ball and spring mechanisms.
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 convenient and cost-effective integration of one-way flow within existing tubular components, reducing leak sources and assembly costs while simplifying the conversion of fluid systems to one-way operation without additional fittings.
Implementation Method 1
The ball can make contact with the seat to create a fluid seal therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The duckbill member is reconfigurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the duckbill member is a flexible elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
One-way valve devices can be used within fluid systems. For example, this document provides one-way valves that can be installed within a lumen of a tube, a fitting, and other types of tubular members. In some embodiments, the one-way valve includes a unitary frame and a ball member that is loosely constrained within the confines of the frame.