Threaded Washer Radial Expansion Valve Preload Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves experience stress-induced cracks due to the expansion of perforated disks and are unable to adjust or change the preload of springs effectively, as the adjustment lock often becomes irreversibly engaged, preventing reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A threaded disk with a detachable adjustment mechanism featuring a radial expansion groove and a central passage opening, along with a collar-like projection, allows for controlled expansion and secure fixing without material stress, using a grub screw for easy adjustment and stress minimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the perforated disk is expanded by the adjustment lock to fix the preload, then the position of the perforated disk is fixed in the hollow screw, but tension causes cracks in the end faces of the perforated disk
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment lock is segmented into two separate components: the grub screw that engages with the threaded opening, and the expansion element that radially expands to engage the groove in the perforated disk. This separation allows the fixing function to be achieved without concentrating stress in the disk material.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful expansion force is extracted from the perforated disk by introducing a separate expansion element. The expansion element absorbs the stress of radial expansion through its own deformation, preventing stress transfer to the perforated disk and eliminating crack formation.
2Reliability
If the adjustment lock is engaged to fix the perforated disk, then the position is fixed, but the adjustment lock can no longer be released, preventing reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment lock transitions from a static irreversible mechanism to a dynamic reversible one. The grub screw can be rotated to release the expansion element, allowing the perforated disk to be repositioned or removed. This enables multiple adjustments and maintenance operations throughout the valve's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion element serves as an intermediary between the grub screw and the perforated disk. It provides a reversible coupling mechanism where the expansion element can be easily engaged and disengaged, facilitating adjustable fixing without permanent engagement.
3Reliability
If the perforated disk is expanded to secure the position, then friction between threads increases, but the thread of the perforated disk is lifted off the internal thread
Solution Approach 1:
The thread lifting problem is solved by extracting the expansion function from the threaded connection itself. The expansion element performs the radial expansion separately, allowing the threaded connection between the grub screw and perforated disk to remain engaged without stress-induced separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion element acts as an intermediary that decouples the radial expansion force from the threaded connection. This mediator allows the threads to remain engaged while still achieving secure fixing through the groove engagement of the expansion element.
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 solution enables the threaded disk to be releasably adjusted and securely fixed, allowing for simple setting and changing of the preload without risking damage from the adjustment lock, reducing the risk of material stress and crack formation.
Implementation Method 1
A radial expansion is generated perpendicular to the end faces, with the threads of the external thread of the threaded washer being lifted off an internal thread into which the threaded screw is screwed in an installed state
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of threads is penetrated transversely by the groove. This suppresses tension on the external thread along the thread turns
Implementation Method 3
at least one retaining lug is also formed in the opening, which as the depth of penetration of the spreading element into the opening increases increasingly rests against a tapering section of the spreading element
Implementation Method 4
the opening has a threaded section into which the expansion element is screwed. This makes it easy to provide the opening of the adjustment lock, with a releasable expansion being brought about by screwing in the expansion element and the expansion element reliably contributing to fixing the position of the threaded disk without becoming detached as a result of vibrations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~4
AI summary
The present invention provides, in one aspect, a threaded washer that serves as a counter-disc for a preload element, preferably a spring, in a valve, preferably a load-holding valve or shock valve. The threaded washer has an external thread formed in the outer surface of the threaded washer and comprising a plurality of thread turns, at least one through-hole penetrating the threaded washer along a flow direction, and an adjustment locking mechanism with a spreading element for spreading the threaded washer.The adjustment locking mechanism further comprises a groove extending along the flow direction in the outer surface, oriented transversely to the external thread and in contact with an opening that at least partially penetrates the threaded disc along the flow direction. The expanding element is arranged in the opening and, depending on its penetration depth in the opening, generates a specific expansion of the threaded disc perpendicular to the flow direction. Furthermore, a valve with a corresponding threaded disc as a bearing disc for a preload element and a method for setting and/or changing a maximum pressure in a corresponding valve are provided.