Relief Valve Press-Fit Structure for Lower Assembly Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relief valve mechanisms experience high press-fit loads due to the relief spring stopper abutting the valve seat over the entire circumference, which complicates the press-fitting process and reduces workability.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring a valve opening pressure adjustment member with a press-fit piece group, where the press-fit pieces are arranged to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction, elastically contacting the housing to reduce the press-fit load and improve workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the relief spring stopper abuts the relief valve seat over the entire circumference, then the press-fit load is large, but the press-fitting process becomes complex and workability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The relief spring stopper is segmented into a body portion and a press-fit piece portion that is separated and protrudes from the body. This segmentation allows the press-fit piece to contact the relief valve seat at discrete locations rather than along the entire circumference, reducing the overall press-fit load while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit piece acts as an intermediary element between the relief spring stopper body and the relief valve seat. This intermediate structure enables localized contact points that distribute the press-fit force more effectively, reducing the total load required while improving workability during assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the press-fit load is reduced by spacing press-fit pieces apart, then workability is improved, but the stability of the press-fit connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The press-fit piece is designed with specific local qualities including a tapered shape that concentrates force at the contact point with the relief valve seat. This localized force concentration ensures stable connection at each contact point despite the spaced-apart configuration, maintaining reliability while improving workability.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit piece features a curved or tapered surface that contacts the relief valve seat, allowing for better force distribution and engagement. This curvature enables the press-fit piece to maintain stable contact despite being spaced apart from other press-fit pieces, ensuring connection reliability while reducing overall press-fit load.
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 reduced press-fit load enhances the workability of the press-fitting process and allows for stepless adjustment of the spring set load, minimizing the risk of displacement and maintaining the set load stability.
Implementation Method 1
A press-fit piece group or member, which includes a plurality of press-fit pieces, is formed in the valve opening pressure adjustment member such that the press-fit pieces are arranged to be spaced away from each other in a circumferential direction of the valve opening pressure adjustment member. The press-fit pieces elastically abut the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A relief valve includes: a housing having a hollow cylindrical valve chamber and having a first communication port opening on one end side of the valve chamber; a first valve element for opening and closing the first communication port; a first spring for biasing the first valve element in the closing direction; and a retainer having a spring seat for supporting the first spring. A set load of the first spring is adjusted based on the press-fit amount of the retainer with respect to the housing. A press-fit piece member including a plurality of press-fit pieces is formed in the retainer, such that the press-fit pieces of the press-fit member are arranged to be spaced away from each other in the circumferential direction of the retainer and elastically abut the housing.