Valve Stem Adapter Locking Assembly for Leak-Safe Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting assemblies for adapters on pressurized containers risk leakage during attachment due to pressure-induced valve opening and may come loose under increased pressure, leading to unintended leaks.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly featuring a male valve stem with a radially extending collar and male threaded element, and an adapter with a female threaded element and locking element that secures past the collar during axial screwing, ensuring a robust and sealed connection without excessive force on the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure is applied to mount the adapter onto the valve stem by pressing in axial direction, then the adapter can be mounted to the valve stem, but the valve may be moved to the open position causing foam to leak out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressing-in mounting mechanism with a screwing mechanism. The adapter (30) is mounted by screwing it onto the valve stem (10) using threaded elements (20, 40), transforming the mounting action from axial pressing to rotational screwing. This substitution eliminates the risk of valve opening during mounting while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If the adapter is mounted by screwing onto the valve stem, then the mounting is secure, but the mounting assembly may come loose under increased pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a locking element (60) in the form of hooks that nest within grooves (65) on the valve stem. This nested structure provides additional mechanical interlocking beyond the threaded connection, preventing the adapter from coming loose under pressure while maintaining the secure mounting achieved through screwing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking element is added to prevent the assembly from coming loose, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking element (60) with the adapter body (30), making the locking hooks an integrated part of the adapter rather than a separate component. This integration adds the stabilizing function while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the locking feature is incorporated into the existing adapter structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting assembly (1) for mounting an adapter (30) to a valve stem (10) of a valve (3) of a pressurized container (2) for the application of foam, where the adapter (30) is configured to be mounted by means of the female threaded element (40) onto the male threaded element (20) of the valve stem (10) by means of an axial screwing movement up to the mounted position (50), Characterized in that the adapter (30) further comprises a locking element (60) at the extreme upstream end (34) that is configured, when mounting, under the effect of the axial screwing movement towards the mounted position (50), to move past the collar (18) and secure the female threaded element (40) in the mounted position (50).