Polygon Wire Ring Retains Valve Components Without Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic valve components tend to disassemble during handling and shipping due to the lack of an effective retention mechanism, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential operational issues from misalignments.
Innovation Solution
A partial polygon wire ring is used to retain the internal component of a hydraulic valve to the external component by forming an annular space between grooves on both components, ensuring continuous interference and preventing disassembly, while allowing for realignment to compensate for manufacturing misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retention mechanisms (such as threads) are used to retain internal components, then the components are securely retained during handling and shipping, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase, and the risk of misalignment during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into two separate annular grooves (first annular groove in the external component, second annular groove in the internal component) that work together with the wire ring. This segmentation allows each groove to be independently formed on its respective component, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable retention through the cooperative interaction of the segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire ring is nested within the annular space formed between the two aligned annular grooves. The first wire ring end is positioned in the first annular groove while the second wire ring end is positioned in the second annular groove, creating a nested configuration that secures the internal component to the external component without requiring complex threading or fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional retention mechanisms are used, then components are securely retained, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented across two simple annular grooves formed on separate components, eliminating the need for complex threading operations or additional fastening parts. Each groove can be formed using standard machining processes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable retention through the wire ring engagement with both grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire ring serves as a simple, inexpensive retention element that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using expensive threaded fasteners or complex retention mechanisms, the wire ring provides adequate retention for handling and shipping at minimal cost, aligning with the principle of using simple, cost-effective solutions for specific functional requirements.
3Reliability
If rigid retention mechanisms are used, then components are firmly held, but the ability to compensate for manufacturing misalignments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wire ring provides a dynamic retention solution that can accommodate minor misalignments between the annular grooves. The wire ring can deform elastically to engage with the grooves even when they are not perfectly aligned, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure retention. This dynamic capability enables alignment compensation without sacrificing retention reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple retention mechanisms are used, then manufacturing is easier and cheaper, but the risk of component disassembly during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire ring is nested within the annular space defined by the two grooves, with its ends positioned in each groove respectively. This nested configuration creates a mechanically interlocking retention system that is both simple to manufacture and highly reliable during handling. The nesting ensures the wire ring cannot easily disengage, preventing component separation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire ring acts as an intermediary element that connects the internal component and external component through the annular grooves. This intermediary provides a reliable retention mechanism that is simpler than direct threading or fastening, while the wire ring's engagement with both grooves ensures secure component retention during handling and shipping.
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 solution effectively retains valve components during shipping and handling, reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for threads, and allows for operational flexibility by compensating for misalignments, enhancing the valve's reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the wire ring is configured as a partial polygon comprising a plurality of curved sections interposed between a plurality of straight sections
Data Source
AI summary
An example wire ring is configured as a partial polygon. The partial polygon has a plurality of curved sections interposed between a plurality of straight sections. The wire ring is configured to contact a base of an annular groove of an external component of a valve at multiple contact points. The wire ring is also configured to contact a respective base of a respective annular groove of an internal component of the valve disposed, at least partially, within the external component at multiple respective contact points.