Non-return Valve Guide Mandrel Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-return valves for fluid applications, particularly in vehicle contexts, are costly to produce in mass quantities due to complex component arrangements and separate parts for the opening edge and stop element.

Innovation Solution

A simplified design featuring a guide mandrel and axially adjustable valve member with retaining webs integrated into the housing, allowing for a compact and inexpensive structure with improved sealing and reduced assembly costs, where the guide sleeve extends centrally through the retaining webs in both open and closed positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate components for opening edge and stop element are used, then the valve can be adjusted axially between closed and open positions, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomponent arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening edge and stop element are integrated into a single component (the guide mandrel) rather than being separate parts. The guide mandrel combines the function of guiding the valve member axially while providing both the opening edge for closing the passage and the stop element for defining the open position, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate components for opening edge and stop element are built into the housing, then the valve functions correctly, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve functionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide mandrel is designed as a single integrated component that combines multiple functions: guiding the valve member, providing the opening edge, and providing the stop element. This merging of functions into one component simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining reliable valve operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide mandrel serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a guide for axial movement, provides the opening edge for sealing, and provides the stop element for positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall valve structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If the guide sleeve extends centrally through the retaining webs, then the valve becomes compact in the axial direction, but the structural arrangement becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial compactnessVSAvoidstructural arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide sleeve is positioned to extend centrally through the retaining webs, with the control plate nested between the retaining webs. This nested arrangement allows the valve components to be compactly arranged in the axial direction while maintaining proper structural support and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2527698B1Non-return valve and tube connection
Publication Date: 2013.09.18 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP2527698B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2527698B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2527698B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The non-return valve (5) has a housing (9) comprising a fluid flow passage (10) in which a guide pin (13) is extended. Several retaining bars (19) are arranged axially in a passage opening (18) of fluid flow passage. A valve structure (15) is provided with a guide sleeve (16) that is guided on guide pin. The valve structure is axially adjustable between closed and open positions. A control plate (17) of valve structure is arranged at opening edge (20) so as to axially close passage opening during closed position. The control plate is rested on retaining bars during open position. An independent claim is included for pipe connector.