Conductive Spiral Spring for Reliable Anti-Static Valve Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-static devices for valves are unreliable due to insufficient compression, single contact points, and interference with valve performance, posing safety risks in critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A coiled anti-static spiral spring with multiple contact points and conductive material, ensuring redundant electrical continuity between the shaft and valve body through a redundant electroconductive route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grounding washers are used to establish anti-static contact, then electrical continuity can be achieved, but the device becomes unreliable due to insufficient compression and bending teeth during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static grounding washers to a dynamic spring mechanism that automatically maintains compression force. The spring's elastic properties allow it to compensate for installation variations and maintain reliable contact without depending on precise compression forces during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of contact force from fixed (grounding washer) to variable and self-adjusting (spring). The spring continuously applies compression force, ensuring consistent electrical contact regardless of installation variations, thereby improving reliability.
2Reliability
If conical springs are placed at the bottom of the shaft to provide anti-static contact, then electrical continuity is achieved, but the spring interferes with vertical movement of the shaft and affects valve performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conical spring from the shaft bottom location and relocates it to the valve body. This separation removes the interfering element from the shaft's path while preserving the anti-static function through the spring's contact with the shaft at a different location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate component (the repositioned spring in the valve body) that mediates between the shaft and ground. This intermediary maintains electrical continuity without directly interfering with shaft movement, as it contacts the shaft laterally rather than from below.
3Device complexity
If anti-static devices have single contact points with the shaft and valve body, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability is destroyed by any lack of or break in contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single contact point into multiple contact points along the spring's length. The spring body makes continuous contact with the shaft at multiple locations, and the valve body contact is also distributed, creating redundant electrical pathways that maintain conductivity even if one contact is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's elastic nature provides a cushioning effect that maintains contact pressure despite variations in assembly or operation. This beforehand cushioning ensures that contact is maintained even under adverse conditions, preventing breaks in the electrical conduction route.
4Reliability
If grounding washers rely on compression to establish anti-static contact, then electrical continuity can be achieved, but insufficient compression results in insufficient contact for electrical conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is a self-service component that automatically generates and maintains the necessary compression force through its elastic properties. It does not rely on external compression during installation but continuously applies its own restoring force to maintain contact, ensuring reliable electrical conduction without external force application.
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
Provides reliable and safe electrical conductivity, preventing electrostatic discharge without affecting valve performance, meeting international safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is constructed of a conductive material and configured to remove or ground electrostatic discharge from the rotating valve
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a spring for a rotating valve, having a spring body, wherein the spring body is coiled; an innermost section of the spring body, wherein the innermost section has an inner protuberance; an outermost section of the spring body, wherein the outermost section has an outer protuberance; wherein the spring is constructed of a conductive material and configured to remove electrostatic discharge from the rotating valve.