Spring-Loaded Valve Closure Element Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container valves are prone to improper closure and potential damage during attachment and detachment from pump connectors due to the need for precise manipulation of the closure cap, leading to potential leakage and mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A valve design featuring a closure element that automatically seals the valve opening through a spring-loaded mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without requiring the closure element to be fully retracted into the passage opening, utilizing a spring element to maintain a constant contact pressure and ensure liquid-tight sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the closure cap is manually retracted into the valve opening to seal the valve, then the valve can be closed liquid-tight, but the valve cap can be torn away from the pump connection piece by improper manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical damage during manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically pushes the closure element into the sealing position within the valve opening, eliminating the need for manual manipulation to retract the closure cap. The system serves itself by using spring force to maintain the closed position, preventing damage from improper handling while ensuring reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is pre-loaded to exert continuous force on the closure element, keeping it in advance in the sealing position before any opening operation. This preliminary positioning ensures the valve is already sealed and ready, eliminating the need for manual retraction actions that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the closure element is fully retracted into the passage opening to seal the valve, then liquid-tight closure is achieved, but the valve requires great effort to remove from the pump connector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid-tight closureVSAvoidease of removal from pump connector
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element pushes the closure element partially into the valve opening to achieve sufficient sealing with the first sealing lip, without requiring complete retraction. This partial action is enough to seal the valve liquid-tight while leaving the closure element accessible for easy removal from the pump connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring force parameter is optimized to provide just enough pressure to push the closure element into the sealing position without over-compression. This parameter adjustment ensures adequate sealing while maintaining ease of operation for removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the closure element is manually manipulated to engage and disengage from the valve opening, then the valve can be opened and closed, but the valve is prone to injury and damage during attachment and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve operation flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical stress and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically manages the closure element's positioning, pushing it into the valve opening for sealing and allowing easy withdrawal for opening. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates manual manipulation that causes mechanical stress and damage, while maintaining full operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical manipulation system is replaced with a spring-driven automatic positioning system. The spring element substitutes for human hands in manipulating the closure element, reducing mechanical stress through controlled, gradual movement rather than forceful manual actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 valve achieves secure, liquid-tight closure and easy removal from pump connectors with reduced risk of damage, as the spring-loaded mechanism ensures consistent sealing without the need for complex disengagement of parts, enhancing usability and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (10), which presses the closure element (7) into the passage opening (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

both sealing lips are pressed into the passage opening and a liquid container attached to the valve can be closed liquid-tight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

only the first sealing lip is pressed into the through-opening, while the second sealing lip rests on the edge of the through-opening due to the stronger press fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2676063B1Valve for liquid container
Publication Date: 2014.12.10 CWS BOCO SUPPLY
  • EP2676063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2676063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2676063B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A valve (1) for opening and closing a liquid vessel or pouch (24), comprising: A) a valve body (2) having a central axis (6), having a top side (3) arranged transversely with respect to the central axis (6), having a bottom side (4) likewise arranged transversely with respect to the central axis (6) and having a passage opening (5) which extends through the valve body (2) coaxially from the top side (3) to the bottom side (4); and B) a closure element (7) having a front end (11) which is directed toward the passage opening (5) and having an axially opposite rear end (12), which closure element can be pressed into the passage opening (5) coaxially with respect to the central axis (6) proceeding from the underside (4) such that the passage opening (5) can be closed in a liquid-tight manner by the closure element (7), wherein C) the closure element (7) can be pressed into the passage opening (5) by means of a spring element (10); and D) the closure element (7) comprises, on the front end (11), a first sealing lip (8) which can be pressed into the passage opening (5) with an interference fit P1 and, axially behind said first sealing lip, a second sealing lip (15) which can be pressed into the passage opening (5) with an interference fit P2, wherein P2 is a more intense interference fit than P1.