Multi-Step Sealing Bead for Membrane Valve Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements with membranes experience vibrations and noise due to an undefined position of the membrane relative to the regulating valve element, leading to improper stretching or loosening of the flexible membrane part under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A first sealing bead with at least two steps is used, where the pressure regulating valve has a recess to accommodate the radially inner side of the sealing bead, ensuring it remains under pretension and maintains a well-defined position, with additional features like protrusions and grooves enhancing the seal and preventing unwanted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing bead with circular or semi-circular cross section is used, then the membrane can be assembled, but the position of the sealing bead is not well-defined and it may get stuck in too high or too low position, leading to vibrations and noises
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing bead is divided into multiple segments along its circumference, with each segment having a different radial height. This segmentation creates distinct positioning features that engage with corresponding features in the housing, ensuring the sealing bead is held at a precise, well-defined position and cannot get stuck in incorrect positions, thereby eliminating vibrations and noises
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing bead transitions from a symmetric circular or semi-circular cross-section to an asymmetric multi-level cross-section with steps of different heights. This asymmetric design creates unique engagement points with the housing, ensuring proper orientation and position of the sealing bead, preventing it from getting stuck in incorrect positions, and eliminating the harmful vibrations and noises
2Ease of manufacture
If the radially outer sealing bead is allowed to move freely during mounting, then assembly is simple, but the membrane position becomes undefined and the flexible part becomes improperly stretched or loose, causing vibrations under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing bead is pre-formed with multiple steps and positioning features before assembly. These pre-integrated positioning features automatically guide the sealing bead into its correct position during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while ensuring precise membrane positioning and proper stretching of the flexible part
3Reliability
If the sealing bead is made larger than the recess, then the sealing bead can be held under pretension for better sealing, but the positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing bead is segmented into multiple levels with each segment serving a specific function: some segments provide sealing contact surfaces that engage with the housing to create pretension, while other segments provide positioning features. This segmentation achieves reliable sealing performance while the modular structure actually simplifies the design by clearly separating sealing and positioning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-level sealing bead structure integrates multiple functions into a single component: sealing (through contact with housing surfaces), positioning (through engagement with positioning features), and pretensioning (through the interference fit with the recess). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving reliable sealing
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
This configuration ensures a well-defined position of the membrane relative to the regulating valve element, reducing vibrations and noise by maintaining a consistent seal and preventing the sealing bead from getting stuck, thus providing a more predictable movement and improved sealing performance under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the radially inner side of the first sealing bead in larger than the recess, such that the first sealing bead is kept in the recess under a pretension
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve arrangement (101) for controlling a flow of a heating or cooling fluid, said valve arrangement (101) comprising: a housing (102) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), a pressure regulating valve (111) being arranged between said inlet (3) and said outlet (4) and having a regulating vale element (112), said regulating valve element (112) being connected to a membrane (115), said membrane (115) comprising at least one sealing bead (118, 119). In such a valve arrangement the position of the membrane is not always well-defined, resulting in unwanted vibrations and noises. In order to ensure a correct positioning of the membrane (115) a first sealing bead (118) comprises at least two steps (126, 129).