Solenoid Adapter Assembly for Manual Bleeding Without Seal Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid valves with face seals are difficult to manually bleed without damaging the seal, leading to potential leaks and non-closing issues due to the displacement of seals by friction and fluid pressure when unscrewing and rescrewing the solenoid.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece adapter with a locking ring and base that transfers turning force to disconnect the plunger passage from the vent passage, allowing manual opening of the valve while maintaining the face seal integrity, and a ratchet mechanism to secure the solenoid in place, ensuring proper sealing and preventing plunger jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the solenoid is unscrewed to manually open the valve, then the vent passage is opened and the valve opens, but the face seal is displaced and damaged by friction and fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid mounting system is segmented into multiple components: the solenoid itself, an adapter assembly with internal threading, and an external threading structure on the valve body. This segmentation allows the solenoid to be unscrewed from the adapter without directly compromising the face seal, as the seal remains seated within the adapter's protected cavity during the manual opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the solenoid and the valve body. It provides a protected environment for the face seal during solenoid removal and installation, preventing direct exposure to damaging friction and fluid pressure forces that would otherwise occur during manual valve opening operations.
2Productivity
If the solenoid is unscrewed completely to bleed the pressure chamber, then manual operation is achieved, but the face seal is permanently damaged and replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed with sufficient internal threading depth to accommodate complete unscrewing of the solenoid while maintaining face seal integrity throughout the entire range of motion. This beforehand cushioning prevents the seal from being displaced or damaged during manual bleeding operations, eliminating the need for seal replacement.
3Ease of operation
If a radial seal is used instead of a face seal, then manual operation is easier, but the sealing reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary that protects the face seal during manual operation. By providing a controlled environment within the adapter's internal threading, it enables easy solenoid removal and installation while maintaining the superior sealing performance of the face seal configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter is provided for a solenoid of a valve. The adapter provides a radial seal and enables manually bleeding by rotating the solenoid. The adapter includes two primary components with a one-way locking engagement between them that can be manually reversed for service of the adapter and the solenoid.