Non-Return Valve with Axial-Play Interface for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-return valves for refrigeration or thermal circuits are difficult to install due to tolerance issues in connection points, requiring precise alignment and orientation, and lack ease of replacement or adjustment for worn parts.
Innovation Solution
A non-return valve design featuring a snap-together interface between the valve housing and main housing with axial play, allowing for tolerance compensation and easy installation, along with radially rotatable connection elements and detachable components for flexibility and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid and interlocking connection is used between valve housing and main housing, then connection strength is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to tolerance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between valve housing and main housing is made dynamically adjustable through axial play, allowing the connection to adapt during installation while maintaining strength during operation. The snap-in clips engage with the circumferential groove to provide a secure connection that accommodates tolerance variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial play parameter is introduced to change the connection characteristics, allowing for tolerance compensation during installation. This parameter enables the connection to absorb dimensional variations while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If precise alignment and orientation are required for installation, then sealing reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially rotatable connection elements allow the valve housing to self-align with the connection point during installation, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment. The rotation capability enables automatic orientation adjustment while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve housing performs self-alignment through the radially rotatable connection elements, automatically orienting itself correctly during installation without requiring external alignment tools or procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the non-return valve is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to inability to replace worn parts
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve is segmented into separable components (valve housing, main housing, snap-in clips) that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows worn parts to be replaced without replacing the entire valve, while the components can still be manufactured relatively simply.
Solution Approach 2:
Worn or damaged components such as snap-in clips or the valve housing can be discarded and replaced individually, while the remaining functional components are retained and reused, reducing waste and repair costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a non-return valve, in particular for a refrigeration circuit or thermal circuit, which is insertable into a connection point (76) of a connection device (71), which comprises a supply opening (72) for supplying a medium and an outlet opening (74) for discharging the medium, comprising a multi-part housing (12, 14), which comprises a valve housing (14) and a main housing (12), which is interconnectable by means of connection elements (41, 42) via an interface (16), comprising a regulating space (24) formed between the main housing (12) and the valve housing (14), in which space a valve-closing member (25) is provided which abuts a valve seat (23) of the valve housing (14) in a closed position (54), and closes an opening (22) in the valve housing (14) and is movable into an operating position (55) counter to an actuating force of a return element (33) and releases the valve opening (22), wherein the valve housing (14) and the valve-closing member (25), which is arranged so as to be movable in the regulating space (24), lie on a common longitudinal axis (64), wherein the interface (16) between the valve housing (14) and the main housing (12) has axial play, by means of which the distance between the valve housing (14) and the main housing (12) is modifiable.