Stiffening Insert for Pneumatic Valve Disc

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic valves face challenges with disc distortion due to clamping and material flow, leading to unpredictable performance and manufacturing issues, particularly in smaller devices where consistent pressure response is critical for timing functions.

Innovation Solution

A disc design incorporating a stiffening insert with a closed loop structure, made from rigid materials like metal or high melting point plastics, which shields the actuation region from deformation and material flow, ensuring predictable and reproducible behavior by preventing bowing and distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the disc is clamped between two surfaces or radially within a bore to seal the outside perimeter, then sealing is achieved and the periphery is held stationary, but the disc material flows from the clamped area to the free centre causing distortion and bowing of the diaphragm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddisc flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The disc is segmented into two functional zones: a clamped sealing region at the periphery and a free central diaphragm region. The stiffening insert creates a clear boundary between these zones, confining material flow to the sealing region while protecting the diaphragm region from distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffening insert acts as an intermediary barrier between the clamped sealing region and the free diaphragm region. It mediates the material flow caused by clamping, preventing it from reaching the central diaphragm area and causing bowing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a rubber disc is used with interference sealing against the bore, then sealing is achieved through radial distortion of the disc, but this distortion extends into the central portion affecting diaphragm behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddiaphragm flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the disc are given different properties: the periphery is designed for radial compression and sealing, while the central region is protected to maintain flatness for diaphragm operation. The stiffening insert enforces this local differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9022347B2Disc component for gas control valves

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 CONCEPT 2 MFG DESIGN OCD

AI summary

A disc for use in a pneumatic valve includes a stiffening insert encased in a flexible body. The stiffening insert acts to protect a central actuation region of the disc against radial compression, which may arise if the disc is used to seal against a bore hole, and against material flow towards the actuation region away from a clamped periphery. The behavior of the disc in a valve assembly is therefore more predictable and reproducible. The flexible body may further be tensioned across the stiffening insert.