System Separator Nozzle Body Snap-Fit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing system separators require significant strength and effort to secure the nozzle body of the backflow preventer due to the need for screwing it into the housing, making the assembly cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The use of ring-shaped securing elements with a plate-like cross-section that can be axially pushed apart and threaded, along with additional retaining clips, allows for easy and secure installation of the nozzle body without the need for bolting, providing a larger contact surface for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nozzle body is secured by screwing into the housing, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and requires great strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical connection system with a snap-fit system using ring-shaped securing elements. These elements feature an elastic ring structure with a free end that can be inserted and then engages with a retention groove, eliminating the need for threading operations and significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing elements utilize an elastic ring structure with plate-like cross-section that can be flexibly deformed during assembly. The ring's elasticity allows it to be compressed for insertion and then expands to engage with the retention groove, providing both ease of assembly and secure retention without requiring high assembly forces.
2Reliability
If traditional screwing method is used, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional parts: the ring-shaped securing element with elastic structure, the retention groove in the housing, and the engagement features on the nozzle body. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each component and enables rapid assembly through simple insertion and engagement actions rather than multi-step fastening procedures.
3Ease of operation
If retaining clips are added to support assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped securing elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical retention of the nozzle body, offer elastic compliance to accommodate assembly tolerances, and create a secure engagement through their interaction with the retention groove. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retaining clips or additional fastening components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The separator (10) has a nozzle body (17) including a ring-shaped circumferential projection (23) that is secured in a ring-shaped groove (24) by a plate-type securing element (26) projecting non-return valve radially outside of the groove in a circumferential position. The securing element is positioned in a region of the non-return valve between the circumferential projection of the nozzle body and a wall (25) to be limited toward the groove of a housing (11) at an intermediate chamber (14). The securing element is positioned in cross section and divided in the circumferential position.