Stepped Check Valve Geometry for Reliable Backflow Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves, particularly those with disc-type valve members, often fail to fully close during assembly due to the outer edge hanging on the inner wall, compromising backchecking capability and making automated assembly difficult.
Innovation Solution
A conical stepped geometry is implemented in the check valve design, preventing the valve member from touching the inner wall and ensuring proper placement through vibration during assembly, using a biasing post to secure the valve member in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a disc-type valve member is used that floats without constraint before assembly, then the valve member can be easily assembled, but the outer edge may hang on the inside wall causing incomplete closure
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve housing includes a conical stepped geometry that pre-positions the valve member during assembly. The stepped surfaces guide the valve member into the correct position before it is fully installed, preventing the outer edge from hanging on the inside wall and ensuring proper alignment is achieved before final assembly completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical stepped surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the valve member and the housing wall. These stepped surfaces provide a controlled transition path that prevents direct contact between the valve member outer edge and the housing inner wall, eliminating the hanging problem while maintaining assembly ease.
2Device complexity
If the valve member is allowed to float during assembly, then assembly is simpler, but automated assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conical stepped geometry enables the valve member to self-align and self-position during assembly without requiring external guidance mechanisms or complex positioning devices. The stepped surfaces automatically guide the valve member into the correct position as it is inserted, making the assembly process suitable for automation while maintaining simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the valve member touches the inner wall during operation, then positioning may be easier, but complete closure is prevented compromising backchecking
Solution Approach 1:
The conical stepped geometry extracts or removes the problematic contact between the valve member outer edge and the housing inner wall. By providing stepped surfaces that elevate or guide the valve member, the design eliminates the harmful contact that prevents complete closure, while still allowing proper positioning through the controlled geometry of the stepped surfaces.
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 conical stepped geometry ensures complete closure and effective backchecking, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and preventing backflow, thus maintaining drug concentration and timely delivery in IV administration systems.
Implementation Method 1
when an upstream pressure is applied to the valve member, the valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface to fluidly communicate the inlet and the cavity
Implementation Method 2
when a downstream pressure is applied to the valve member, the valve member is configured to deflect towards the sealing surface to block the fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve, a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve, and a cavity interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The check valve further includes a valve member mounted in the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction, and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The valve member includes a valve body and a valve stem portion extending axially through a central axis of the valve body.