Vacuum Break Valve Snap-Fit Latch for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water valve assemblies connected to vacuum breaks require complex assembly procedures and tools, making them costly and time-consuming to install.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum break assembly with a housing and biased latch system that allows the valve assembly to be easily attached and detached without tools, using a sliding mechanism and spring arms to orient and secure the valve assembly to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used for water valve assemblies, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly requires numerous tools and extensive assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct components: a valve assembly with protruding retention features and a vacuum break housing with corresponding recesses. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where each component has a specific function in the connection process, enabling tool-free attachment while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The biased latch mechanism with spring arms provides self-aligning and self-securing functionality. The spring arms automatically engage with the retention features when the valve assembly is inserted, eliminating the need for external tools or complex assembly procedures. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the latching action.
2Productivity
If traditional water valve assemblies are used, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The biased latch mechanism is pre-configured with spring arms that are already positioned to engage with the retention features. The springs are pre-loaded to provide the necessary engagement force, so that when the valve assembly is inserted, the connection is immediately secured without requiring additional time for tool operation or manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active engagement (screwing, clamping, or fastening) to secure the connection, the system uses passive engagement where the spring arms automatically snap into the retention features upon insertion. The disassembly process is simplified by reversing the action - simply pulling the valve assembly releases the latches, eliminating the need for tool-operated disconnection procedures.
3Ease of operation
If simple connection methods are used, then assembly is quick and easy, but the connection may not be secure enough
Solution Approach 1:
The retention features on the valve assembly are designed with asymmetric geometry that corresponds to the spring arm latch structure. This asymmetric design ensures that the retention features can be easily inserted but provide strong mechanical interlocking once engaged, preventing accidental disconnection while maintaining ease of assembly through the biased latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms are designed with curved geometries that allow them to flex during insertion and then snap into the retention features. This curvature enables the spring arms to accommodate slight misalignments during assembly while providing strong engagement force, ensuring reliable connection security without compromising ease of assembly.
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
Enables quick, tool-free assembly and disassembly of the valve assembly, reducing installation time and costs while ensuring a secure and waterproof connection.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arm having a retaining feature and flexible in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spring arm away from the housing so as to retain the valve assembly in the housing
Implementation Method 2
The valve assembly includes a ramped surface that deflects the spring arm away from the housing as the valve assembly is assembled to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum break assembly including a housing, at least one valve assembly and at least one biased latch. The housing has at least one opening therein. The at least one valve assembly is coupled to the at least one opening in a sliding manner. The at least one biased latch couples the valve assembly to the housing.