Single-Lever Valve Snap-Journal Assembly for Easy Lever Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever-operated fluid control valves face challenges in simple operating lever assembly and high manufacturing costs due to complex assembly processes and the need for precise fitting of bearing journals.
Innovation Solution
A lever-operated fluid control valve design featuring a circumferentially open journal receptacle with a snap connection allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the actuating lever by inserting the bearing journal from the outside, eliminating the need for precise fitting and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional bearing journal assembly methods are used (requiring valve housing disassembly), then precise fitting and secure connection are achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing journal is segmented into two functional parts: a insertion portion that protrudes from the actuating lever, and a receiving structure in the valve body with a circumferentially open journal receptacle opening. This segmentation allows the bearing journal to be inserted from the outside without disassembling the valve housing, while still achieving secure connection through the snap connection mechanism formed by the circumferentially open receptacle opening that encloses the bearing journal over more than half its circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the traditional approach where the bearing journal is inserted from inside the valve housing requiring disassembly, this invention inverts the insertion direction by providing a journal insertion slot open towards an outer surface of the valve body. This allows the bearing journal to be inserted from the outside of the valve body, simplifying the assembly process and eliminating the need to disassemble the valve housing.
2Reliability
If precise fitting methods are used for bearing journals, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferentially open journal receptacle opening is designed to enclose the bearing journal over more than half its circumference, creating a snap connection that provides inherent connection reliability. This design distributes the connection forces across a larger area and provides mechanical interlocking without requiring tight tolerances or precise fitting, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
1. Lever-operated fluid control valve, in particular a sanitary single-lever valve. 2.1. The invention relates to a lever-operated fluid control valve comprising a valve body (1) and an actuating lever (5) which is movably held on the valve body by a bearing. The valve body has a valve housing (2), a valve body (3) movably arranged therein, and a bearing pin receiving structure (4). The bearing has a bearing pin structure (6) received in the bearing pin receiving structure, with one bearing pin (61) projecting laterally from the actuating lever or two bearing pins (61, 62) projecting on opposite sides from the actuating lever. 2.2.According to the invention, the bearing journal receptacle for the respective bearing journal has a circumferentially open journal receptacle opening (71, 72) that surrounds the journal over more than half its circumference and a journal insertion slot (81, 82) that is open towards an outer side of the valve body and opens radially into the journal receptacle opening in an insertion direction (ER), forming a snap connection. 2.3. Use, for example, as single-lever mixing valves in sanitary fittings. 3. Fig. 3.