Snap-In Ball Valve Assembly for Faster Seal Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ball valves require complex assembly processes, involving multiple steps and alignment of components, which increases assembly time and labor.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece, integrally-molded plastic ball valve assembly with a snap-in handle and catch arrangement that interacts with seals in the valve body to simplify assembly by retaining the seal position during insertion, allowing for easier rotation between closed and open positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional multi-component ball valve assembly is used, then reliable sealing and fluid control are achieved, but assembly time and labor increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the handle, ball, and catch element into a single integrally-molded plastic component. This merging of previously separate parts into one unified assembly directly reduces the number of components that need to be handled and assembled, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining the functional requirements for sealing and fluid control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is pre-positioned within the valve body in a ready state before the main assembly operation. The integrally-molded component is designed with built-in alignment features that guide the seal into its correct position during insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate seal installation steps and alignment operations during assembly, significantly reducing assembly time and labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If traditional ball valve assembly is used, then proper seal positioning is achieved, but multiple alignment steps are required increasing labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is pre-positioned within the valve body in a ready state before the main assembly operation. The integrally-molded component is designed with built-in alignment features that guide the seal into its correct position during insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate seal installation steps and alignment operations during assembly, significantly reducing assembly time and labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrally-molded component incorporates self-aligning features such as guide ribs and engagement surfaces that automatically position the component correctly relative to the valve body and seal during insertion. The design enables the assembly process to be self-guiding, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or multiple adjustment steps, thereby reducing both assembly time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10989314B2Ball valve with improved assembly configuration

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 DRAMM CORP OF MANITOWOC

AI summary

A ball valve configured for reduced-time assembly for use with hoses and watering devices typically connected to city water supplies. In particular, the valve is configured to improve the ease of assembly by providing a one-piece snap in handle, ball and retention arrangement which interacts with a seal supported in the valve body to retain the position of the seal during insertion of the one-piece element during valve assembly.