Integrated Clamping Element for Process Valve Sealing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process valves suffer from reduced sealing performance due to mechanical settling and wear of shut-off bodies and multi-part clamping elements, which increase assembly complexity and risk of misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A process valve design integrates a spring portion into the clamping element, providing a preloading force that maintains shut-off body position and sealing, using a one-piece clamping element with a curved wall structure to ensure fluid-tight tensioning and reduce assembly errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate clamping element in combination with disk springs is used to clamp the shut-off body, then the shut-off body can be secured in place, but the assembly complexity increases and the risk of assembly errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping element and the preloading structure (spring portion) into a single integrated component. The clamping element includes an integrated spring portion that provides preloading force, eliminating the need for separate disk springs and multiple clamping elements. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and reduces assembly errors while maintaining the function of securing the shut-off body.
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for the clamping element and preloading structure, then the preloading function can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element and preloading structure are merged into a single integrated component manufactured as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing of multiple parts and subsequent assembly operations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the preloading function through the integrated spring portion.
3Reliability
If a multi-part clamping element arrangement is used, then the preloading force can be provided, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the spring portion into the clamping element creates a single-component solution that eliminates multiple assembly steps. The clamping element can be installed as one piece, significantly reducing assembly time compared to assembling multiple separate clamping elements and spring components, while maintaining the necessary preloading force.
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 integrated spring portion maintains reliable sealing performance over time, simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for compact designs with adjustable spring characteristics, enhancing operational reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring portion for forming a preloading force which counteracts a force acting on the support portion of the clamping element through the fastening portion of the shut-off body
Implementation Method 2
The wall projects at least partially into the interior of the clamping element and is arranged between the support portion and the clamping portion
Data Source
AI summary
A process valve includes a valve body with a through-line, a shut-off body having a fastening portion and a shut-off portion movable along an actuation axis to selectively close the through-line, a clamping element, and a drive rod connected to the shut-off portion and extending through an interior of the clamping element. The clamping element includes a clamping portion that tensions the fastening portion in a fluid-tight manner against the valve body, a support portion configured to provide at least indirect support on the valve body, and a spring portion that generates a preloading force to maintain the fastening portion in position. The spring portion includes a curved wall that projects at least partially into the interior of the clamping element and is arranged between the support portion and the clamping portion. The integrated spring portion reduces part count and compensates for settling of the shut-off body during operation.