Pinch Valve Sleeve Locking Structure for Leak-Tight Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pinch valves lack effective locking systems to securely retain sleeves and prevent material leakage between the sleeve and the valve.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve design featuring annular end flanges, grooves, railings, and a reinforced tubular element with a beveled annular lip member for secure engagement with the valve rim, utilizing resilient materials and metal railings for enhanced sealing and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retaining mechanisms are used to secure the sleeve, then the sleeve can be retained in the valve body, but the locking system is insufficient and sleeve movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: annular end flanges at the sleeve ends, annular grooves for receiving railings, and separate railing elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing robust retention without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular end flanges and annular grooves are pre-formed as integral parts of the sleeve structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the locking features are already in place before installation, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations and reducing installation complexity.
2Reliability
If simple sleeve design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but sealing between sleeve and valve rim is insufficient causing material leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The annular end flanges are designed with specific geometric features including beveled surfaces that provide localized sealing contact with the valve rim. This local quality enhancement at the sealing interface ensures effective sealing without requiring complex modifications to the entire sleeve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is constructed using composite materials combining resilient elastomeric material for the tubular element with rigid metal components for the annular end flanges and railings. This composite construction provides both the sealing flexibility needed for effective sealing and the structural integrity required for reliable retention.
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
The design provides a secure locking mechanism and effective sealing to prevent sleeve movement and material leakage, ensuring reliable operation and longevity of the pinch valve.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient and at least substantially tubular element having opposite ends and capable of being compressed for reducing or restricting a flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
each annular end flange being mounted on each of the opposite ends and extending radially outwardly from the tubular element for sealingly engaging a valve rim
Implementation Method 3
a pair of annular railings inserted within the annular grooves, the annular railings being dimensioned for receiving a valve flange for retaining engagement therewith
Data Source
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AI summary
A sleeve for use in a pinch valve, the sleeve comprising a resilient and at least substantially tubular element having opposite ends and capable of being compressed for reducing or restricting a flow therethrough; a pair of annular end flanges, each annular end flange being mounted on each of the opposite ends and extending radially outwardly from the tubular element for sealingly engaging a valve rim; a pair of annular grooves, each of the annular grooves being defined between the annular end flange and an annular projection, the annular projection extending radially outwardly from the tubular element, and a pair of annular railings inserted within the annular grooves, the annular railings being dimensioned for receiving a valve flange for retaining engagement therewith and comprising a railing base having an innermost diameter and an outermost diameter, the outermost diameter being greater than an outermost diameter of a section of the tubular element adjacent to the annular projection.