Threaded Exhaust Port Assembly for Low-Noise Air Spring Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic ports, particularly exhaust ports, face challenges in mounting control and noise reduction during air flow, with current solutions like retaining rings being inefficient and noisy.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic port design featuring a washer unit connected to the port body via a cooperating thread, which provides better mounting control and reduces noise by minimizing gaps between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retaining ring is used to connect the washer unit to the port body, then the mounting process is simple, but the mounting control is poor and gaps exist between components causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the retaining ring mechanical connection system with a threaded connection system. The threaded connection element engages with threads in the port body to secure the washer unit, providing superior mounting control and precision while eliminating the gaps that cause noise. This substitution maintains ease of operation through standard threading while dramatically improving positioning accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a retaining ring is used to connect the washer unit, then the structure is simple, but gaps exist between washer unit and port body generating noise
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection element replaces the retaining ring system, eliminating gaps between the washer unit and port body. The threads engage precisely to hold the washer unit firmly against the port body surface, preventing air leakage and noise generation while maintaining structural simplicity through a standard threaded fastening approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single washer element with thread is used instead of washer unit with retaining ring, then production cost is reduced, but mounting control must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washer element and connection function into a single integrated threaded washer element. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate retaining rings while incorporating threading directly into the washer element itself. The result is reduced part count, lower production costs, and maintained mounting precision through the integrated threaded connection to the port body.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is directed to a pneumatic port (100), in particular an exhaust port for use in a bellow servo valve (200) of a suspension system (300), the pneumatic port comprising a port body (102) having a through opening (104), a valve body (110) arranged inside the through opening and having a piston (112) that is configured to actuate against a spring element (114) to control a flow path (116) through the through opening and a washer unit (120) arranged at the through opening and including a passage (122) for enabling a flow of air through the washer unit. The washer unit is connected to the port body using a connection element. In the pneumatic port the connection element is a cooperating thread (126, 128) arranged at the port body and at the washer unit, thereby reducing the generation of noise when air flows through the pneumatic port.