Captive Rotatable Flange-Valve Assembly for Flexible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flanges for valves either have a predefined fastening hole orientation, limiting valve positioning flexibility, or are loose parts that can be lost and require complex assembly, leading to reduced mounting strength and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A flange-valve arrangement with a detachable and captive connection that allows for relative rotation between the flange and valve, using positive or non-positive connections such as press fits, snap locks, or elastic latching hooks, ensuring secure attachment without welding or deep drawing, and allowing for adjustable positioning and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flanges are permanently attached to the valve using welding or deep drawing, then the connection between flange and valve is strong and secure, but the positioning of the mounting hole is predefined and the valve's relative position to the device cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is divided into two separate components: a first flange portion attached to the valve body, and a second flange portion attached to the device. These portions are detachably connected to each other, allowing the mounting hole position to be adjusted while maintaining a secure connection. The segmentation enables independent positioning of each flange portion relative to the other.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flanges are supplied as separate components, then the valve's relative position to the device can be adjusted, but the flange can be lost as a separate component and significant effort is required during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second flange portions are detachably connected to each other through a capturing mechanism (such as a bayonet coupling, snap-fit, or interlocking feature). This merging allows the flange assembly to be handled as a single unit during installation, preventing loss of components and reducing assembly effort while still allowing for positioning adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flanges are supplied as separate components, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the relative position between flange and valve can shift when the mounting screw is tightened, reducing clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second flange portions are preliminarily connected to each other through a capturing mechanism before the final mounting screw is tightened. This preliminary connection establishes and maintains the relative position between the flange and valve, preventing shifts during tightening and ensuring stable clamping force throughout the mounting process.
4Ease of operation
If conventional flanges are used, then the valve can be mounted to the device, but vibrations of the fixture can compromise the clamping force or anti-rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The capturing mechanism connecting the first and second flange portions incorporates anti-rotation features (such as keyed connections, splines, or friction-fit elements) that counteract the effects of vibrations. These features create opposing forces that prevent the flange assembly from loosening or rotating under vibrational loads, maintaining reliable mounting.
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 provides a secure, adjustable, and cost-effective attachment method that prevents flange loss, enhances assembly efficiency, and improves vibration robustness while allowing for flexible valve orientation and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting force between the flange and the valve depends on an angle of rotation between the flange and the valve. This allows, for example, at least one flange to be screwed tightly onto at least one valve.
Implementation Method 2
The at least one flange and/or the at least one valve are designed such that relative rotation between the flange and the valve is permitted when the flange is attached to the valve.
Implementation Method 3
using positive or non-positive connections such as press fits, snap locks, or elastic latching hooks
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flange-valve arrangement (1) for mounting valves (2) in or on a device (100), comprising at least one valve (2) and at least one flange (3), wherein the at least one valve (2) and the at least one flange (3) are detachably and securely connectable to one another, at least in a state of the valve (2) not installed in the device (100). The invention further relates to a flange (3) for mounting valves (2) in or on a device (100).