Coupling Structure Tilting Valve for Cleaning Liquid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling structures for connecting a cleaning liquid tank to a cleaning unit require a large force to open the supply port due to the non-compressible nature of the cleaning liquid, which deteriorates workability during coupling operations.
Innovation Solution
The coupling structure includes a container side joint with a container opening/closing valve, a container side communication passage, a backflow prevention valve, and a protrusion, where the container opening/closing valve is pressed against the protrusion by liquid pressure, allowing the main body opening/closing valve to push the container opening/closing valve in the coupling direction, tilting it to open the supply port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container opening/closing valve is biased toward the supply port by the pressure of the cleaning liquid, then the supply port remains closed to prevent leakage, but a large force is required to open the supply port, deteriorating workability during coupling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: the container opening/closing valve, the protrusion, and the main body opening/closing valve. This segmentation allows the valve to be opened through a tilting motion rather than direct linear force, reducing the opening force required while maintaining reliable closure for leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The valve opening mechanism transitions from linear motion to rotational/tilting motion. The protrusion acts as a pivot point, allowing the container opening/closing valve to tilt and open the supply port by rotating around the protrusion axis. This dimensional change reduces the force required compared to direct linear pushing against the liquid pressure
2Ease of operation
If the container opening/closing valve is pushed against the biasing force of the spring to open the supply port, then the supply port can be opened, but a large force is necessary, deteriorating workability at coupling time
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a static spring-biased closure to a dynamic tilting mechanism. The container opening/closing valve can pivot around the protrusion, converting the opening action from direct linear force against spring pressure to a rotational tilting motion. This dynamic mechanism reduces the force required while maintaining the spring's biasing function for automatic closure
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion serves as an intermediary element between the container opening/closing valve and the main body opening/closing valve. It acts as a pivot point that facilitates the tilting motion, mediating the force transmission from the main body valve to the container valve in a way that reduces the required opening force
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
This design reduces the distance and force required to open the supply port, improving the ease of coupling operations and enhancing workability by allowing the coupling structure to be connected with a smaller force.
Implementation Method 1
The container opening/closing valve is brought into contact with the protrusion by a pressure of the liquid filled in the container side communication passage between the container opening/closing valve and the backflow prevention valve
Data Source
AI summary
The coupling structure includes a container side joint and a main body side joint. The container side joint includes a container opening/closing valve, a container side communication passage, a backflow prevention valve and a protrusion. The container opening/closing valve is brought into contact with the protrusion by a pressure of the liquid filled in the container side communication passage. The main body side joint includes a main body opening/closing valve and a main body side communication passage. When the main body opening/closing valve pushes the container opening/closing valve at a coupling of the container side joint and the main body side joint, the container opening/closing valve is pushed in a coupling direction, is also tilted and is separated from the protrusion to communicate the container side communication passage with the main body side communication passage.