Stepper Motor Valve Snap-Fit Housing for Flexible Actuator Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stepper motor valves require special fixation means like bolts for component assembly, limiting flexibility and freedom of angular position of the actuator with respect to other components.

Innovation Solution

A coil assembly housing with a snap feature and anti-rotation feature for secure attachment to a valve house assembly, using protrusions and recesses for snap fitting and anti-rotation, facilitated by a valve block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If special fixation means such as bolts are used to fix the components of the valve, then the mechanical strength and reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and the number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidfixation means complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bolt fixation system with a snap-fit mechanism using elastic arms that deflect and lock into recesses, eliminating the need for bolts and threaded fasteners while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arms automatically engage with the recesses in the valve block through their own elastic deformation, creating a self-locking mechanism that does not require additional fastening operations or external fixation means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixation methods are used, then the components are securely fixed, but the freedom of choice and flexibility in angular positioning of the actuator is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular positioning flexibilityVSAvoidfixation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic arms provide a dynamic connection that allows for angular adjustment and positioning flexibility, enabling the actuator to be mounted at different angles while maintaining secure fixation through the snap-fit mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into discrete elastic arms that can independently engage with recesses at different angular positions, providing flexibility in actuator positioning while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12607276B2Stepper motor valve, coil assembly housing, valve house assembly and valve block for the stepper motor valve

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 DANFOSS AS

AI summary

A coil assembly housing for housing the actuator of a stepper motor valve includes a snap feature for snap fitting the coil assembly housing to a valve house assembly, wherein the snap feature includes at least one protrusion pointing radially inward of the coil assembly housing, wherein the protrusion is provided for interacting with a recess of the valve house assembly, and wherein the protrusion is held inside the recess by a wall of a valve block, into which the valve house assembly and the snap feature are insertable. The disclosure also pertains to a valve house assembly, a valve block and a stepper motor valve having such components.