Valve Shaft Adapter Clip With Spring Arms for Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve shaft adapters are not loss-proof, posing a risk of being lost during assembly or repair of automated valves, which can render the valve assembly non-functional.
Innovation Solution
A retention clip system is introduced to secure the valve shaft adapter collar to the valve actuator, using a central bar with opposing arms and resilient spring clip junctions to prevent axial movement and ensure secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a valve shaft adapter is simply placed on the valve shaft without a retention mechanism, then the assembly process is simple and quick, but the adapter can be lost during assembly or repair operations
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip is divided into opposing arms that can independently engage with the collar, allowing the retention function to be separated from the main adapter body while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient spring clip junctions provide dynamic retention that adapts to installation forces, automatically engaging and disengaging based on applied pressure without requiring complex locking mechanisms
2Reliability
If a retention mechanism is added to prevent loss of the valve shaft adapter, then the retention security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip uses flexible resilient spring clip junctions that provide retention functionality through elastic deformation rather than rigid mechanical interlocking, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient spring clip junctions automatically engage with the collar and maintain retention through their own elastic properties, without requiring additional fasteners, springs, or complex locking mechanisms
3Reliability
If a retention clip with resilient spring clip junctions is used to secure the valve shaft adapter, then the adapter is securely retained and loss is prevented, but the installation and removal process requires additional tools and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient spring clip junctions dynamically respond to installation forces, compressing during installation and expanding during removal, allowing tool-assisted operation while maintaining secure retention during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the retention clip changes between compressed and expanded configurations based on applied force, enabling controlled installation and removal while maintaining secure retention in the expanded state
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
The retention clip system effectively prevents the loss of the valve shaft adapter by securely attaching it to the valve actuator, ensuring the assembly remains operational and facilitating easy removal when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient spring clip junction configured to allow the ear to move inward
Implementation Method 2
Each arm includes a resilient spring clip junction attached to the central bar
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A retention clip 540 secures a valve shaft adapter collar 400 to a valve actuator. The retention clip includes a central bar 452 having opposing arms 454 extending therefrom. Each arm includes a resilient spring clip junction 456 attached to the central bar, a lug 458 coupled to the resilient spring clip for receiving pliers, and an end 460 extending from the lug and configured for insertion through a hole 412 in the valve shaft adapter collar into a pocket of the valve actuator for retaining the valve shaft adapter collar therein. The pliers can be used to compress and consequently retract the ends into the holes to disassociate the valve shaft adapter collar from the valve actuator and/or insert the valve shaft adapter collar into the valve actuator.