Screwless Valve Connection Using Insert Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off fittings for fluid lines, such as gate valves, face issues with corrosion at machined connection points due to screw connections, and lack a reliable screwless connection that prevents unintentional detachment.
Innovation Solution
A shut-off fitting design that connects the upper and lower parts without screws using separate insert elements, secured by a cover part, which creates a clamping or latching effect, ensuring a secure hold and minimizing corrosion risks by avoiding machined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to connect upper and lower parts, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the cast parts become susceptible to corrosion at machined connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the screw connection elements from the cast parts themselves and replaces them with separate insert elements that are inserted into recesses in the cast parts. This removes the need to machine screw holes and threads directly into the corrosion-prone cast surfaces, thereby eliminating corrosion susceptibility at connection points while maintaining secure mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces insert elements as intermediary components between the upper and lower cast parts. These insert elements serve as mediators that provide the threading and fastening functionality without requiring direct machining of the cast parts, thus protecting the cast surfaces from corrosion while enabling reliable screw connections.
2Reliability
If screw connections are used to connect upper and lower parts, then the connection is secure, but the processing effort and manufacturing complexity increase due to machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex machining operations from the cast part manufacturing process by using separate insert elements. The insert elements can be manufactured independently with standard threading, while the cast parts only require simple recesses to be formed, significantly reducing machining effort and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the connection system into separate components: the cast parts with recesses and the separate insert elements with threading. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using optimized processes - casting for the main parts and standard machining or forming for the inserts - thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a screwless connection with insert elements is used, then corrosion resistance is improved by avoiding machined areas, but the connection may become loose or detach unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by providing locking mechanisms that prevent the insert elements from becoming loose or detaching. The locking elements are pre-configured to engage with the insert elements and maintain their position, ensuring long-term connection stability without requiring additional maintenance or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating locking elements and retention features that anticipate and prevent potential loosening or detachment of the insert elements. These features provide a safety margin that ensures connection reliability even under varying operational conditions.
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 reliable, corrosion-resistant connection that is secure against unintentional detachment and reduces processing effort, offering multiple connection options with fewer corrosion-prone areas, ensuring a firm and clean seal.
Implementation Method 1
the insert elements create a hold between the upper part and the lower part
Implementation Method 2
the cover part has a downwardly protruding, specifically inner, extension which acts or presses on the insert element or elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The valve has an upper part (1) with an actuator for a shut-off unit, and a lower part (2), which comprises a through pipe section that can shut-off the valve. The upper part and the lower part are connected with each other in a screwless manner by separate inserting units (4, 5). The lower part has an upper retainer (3) for retaining the inserting units. The inserting units are locked and/or deadlocked using a separate covering part (6). The inserting units are made from a plastic material and steel.