Movable Shutter Valve Assembly With Split-Ring Flange Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs with integral flanges are costly and require long assembly times due to the need for multiple axial screws to withstand duct stresses and secure the flange and control stem components.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a ring split into arcs for fast and robust fixation of secondary bodies to the hollow body, with radial holes and special stops for additional stability, and a threaded ring or bayonet coupling for the control stem flange, allowing for simplified assembly and enhanced strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flanges are made in a single piece with the hollow body, then valve strength and robustness are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into separate components: a hollow body and secondary bodies (flanges) that are fixed separately. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes, while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary bodies are prepared with preliminary fixation features (such as positioning elements or connection interfaces) that enable quick and accurate attachment to the hollow body, reducing assembly complexity and ensuring proper alignment before final securing.
2Reliability
If secondary bodies are fixed to the hollow body by means of a relatively high number of axial screws, then connection robustness is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into positioning elements (that provide initial alignment and location) and securing elements (screws). This division allows the positioning function to be handled by simple geometric features during assembly, while the securing function is handled by fewer screws that only need to provide final fixation, not both positioning and securing.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning elements act as intermediaries between the secondary bodies and the hollow body, providing the positioning function that would otherwise require multiple screws. These elements mediate the connection process by handling alignment and location tasks, allowing the screws to focus solely on securing the connection with fewer fasteners.
3Reliability
If the flange for the shutter control stem is fixed by means of a plurality of axial screws, then fixation reliability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control stem connection is segmented into a positioning function (provided by geometric fitting or positioning features) and a securing function (provided by fewer screws). This allows the assembly process to be faster while maintaining reliable fixation, as the positioning elements handle alignment and the minimal screw set provides secure attachment.
4Reliability
If radial holes are made in the hollow body for fixing arcs and secondary body, then fixation robustness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into the hollow body with radial holes, arcs as intermediaries, and the secondary body. This segmentation allows each component to be relatively simple in itself, while the combination provides robust fixation. The radial holes are simple cylindrical features, the arcs are simple curved elements, and together they create a reliable fixation system without requiring complex integrated designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Valve comprising a hollow body (1) which extends along a main axis (X), in which at least one secondary body (2) is arranged at one end (la) of the hollow body (1) substantially coaxial to the main axis (X) and comprises an inner end portion (2b) with a collar protruding towards the inner surface of the hollow body (1), wherein the hollow body (1) comprises at least one annular groove (lb) in which a ring (3) is arranged at least partially to prevent the movement of the secondary body (2) towards the end (la) of the hollow body (1), in which the ring (3) is divided into at least two arcs (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) configured to be inserted individually inside the groove (lb) of the hollow body (1) to form the ring (3).