Ringless Zero-Clearance Closure With Self-Adjusting Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional C-Ring and zero clearance closures for pressurized cavities are expensive and time-consuming to produce due to the need for tight machining tolerances, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective retention method.

Innovation Solution

A closure assembly featuring a retaining cover with two catch plates and a locking mechanism, including a locknut, that allows for self-adjustment and centering within a valve bore without precision installation, utilizing a V-groove and triangular gap design for relaxed tolerances and simplified manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional C-Ring and zero clearance closures are used, then high load capability and zero clearance retention are achieved, but manufacturing cost and production time increase due to tight machining tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure retention capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and production time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive C-Rings requiring tight tolerances with a disposable-style closure assembly using standard threaded components (caps, plugs, seals) that can be manufactured with relaxed tolerances and disposed of or replaced after use, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining retention functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure assembly is divided into separate modular components (closure cap, closure plug, seals, threading elements) that can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances and assembled together, eliminating the need for complex precision-machined C-Rings as single pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If tight machining tolerances are applied to C-Rings and peripheral hardware, then precise zero clearance retention is achieved, but production time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezero clearance toleranceVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure assembly incorporates self-centering and self-adjusting features through its geometric design (conical surfaces, radial gaps, triangular cross-sections) that automatically achieve proper positioning and zero clearance retention during assembly without requiring precision machining or complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The closure assembly combines multiple standard components (metal threading, elastomeric seals, plastic caps) with complementary properties that work together to achieve the retention function, replacing the need for single complex precision-machined C-Ring components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional C-Ring closures are used, then zero clearance retention is achieved, but device complexity and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezero clearance retentionVSAvoidclosure assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure assembly uses universal standard components (threaded caps, plugs, seals) that can be manufactured with common processes and assembled with simple tools, replacing specialized C-Ring hardware requiring unique machining processes and peripheral retention methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11835154B2Ringless zero clearance closure

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A closure assembly including a retaining cover, a first catch plate sitting partially within the retaining cover, a second catch plate sitting partially within the retaining cover opposite the first catch plate and spaced apart from the first catch plate, and a closure pressing against the first catch plate and pressing against the second catch plate.