Separating Piston Valve Assembly Without Securing Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering damping systems face challenges with the complex and time-consuming assembly and maintenance of check valves in separating piston assemblies, which affects the durability and reliability of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve design for a separating piston assembly in a steering damping system, featuring a valve housing with a damping fluid inlet and outlet, a movable valve member, and a spring with a resilient and engaging portion. This design enhances durability, reduces maintenance needs, and ensures accurate assembly by eliminating the need for conventional securing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional check valve with securing means (circlip and washer) is used in the separating piston assembly, then the valve can be securely attached to the valve housing, but the assembly and maintenance become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the valve body directly into the separating piston assembly, merging what were previously separate components (valve and piston assembly) into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate securing means like circlips and washers, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the unnecessary securing means (circlip and washer) from the valve assembly, extracting only the essential functional components. This simplification maintains the valve's secure attachment capability while eliminating redundant parts that contributed to assembly complexity and maintenance time
2Reliability
If a conventional check valve with multiple securing components is used, then the valve can be attached to the valve housing, but maintenance requirements increase and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the valve body with the separating piston assembly into an integrated unit, the patent eliminates multiple separate components that could wear or fail independently. This unified structure reduces the number of potential failure points and simplifies maintenance, thereby extending the maintenance interval while ensuring reliable attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve design within the separating piston assembly allows the system to maintain itself more effectively. The unified structure eliminates gaps and interfaces between separate components where wear and leakage could occur, enabling the system to operate longer without maintenance intervention
3Reliability
If conventional securing means are used for the valve, then the valve can be attached to the valve housing, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body with the separating piston assembly into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps involving circlips and washers. This integration dramatically reduces assembly time while maintaining secure valve attachment through the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is pre-integrated into the separating piston assembly during manufacturing, so that upon delivery, the assembly arrives with the valve already securely attached. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly operations while ensuring reliable valve attachment
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 proposed valve solution improves the durability and reliability of the separating piston assembly by reducing maintenance requirements and facilitating easier assembly, while maintaining consistent damping characteristics despite changes in temperature or fluid volume.
Implementation Method 1
The spring comprises: a resilient portion, and an engaging portion. The resilient portion is configured to exert a force on the valve member in a direction towards the damping fluid inlet.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a valve (100) for use in a separating piston assembly (200) of a steering damping system. The valve (100) comprising: a valve housing (110) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and comprising a damping fluid inlet (121), and a damping fluid outlet (122); a valve member (130) arranged within the valve housing (110) and configured to be movable along the longitudinal axis (A); a spring (140) arranged within the valve housing and comprising a resilient portion (141) and an engaging portion (142); wherein the resilient portion (141) is configured to exert a force on the valve member (130) in a direction towards the damping fluid inlet (121); and the engaging portion (142) is configured to engage with the valve member (130). A separating piston assembly (200) and a method is also provided.