Valve attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve attachments often result in incorrect mounting due to the need for access to a window to verify the indicator's visibility, leading to unstable connections.
Innovation Solution
A valve attachment design where the actuation means serve as detection means, allowing only correct mounting by moving the fixing means into a locking position, with drive means operatively connected to blocking means that prevent activation unless the attachment is in the predetermined position, ensuring a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an indicator visible through an opening is used to detect correct position, then the mounting position can be detected, but the installer must have access to the window to check the indicator, leading to incorrect mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from a separate indicator visible through a window and integrated into the actuation means themselves. The actuation means serve dual purposes: actuating the valve and indicating correct mounting position, eliminating the need for a separate detection system that requires window access.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation means are merged with the detection function. The same components that actuate the valve also serve as the detection means, creating a unified system where actuation and detection are performed by the same elements, simplifying the mounting process.
2Ease of operation
If the valve attachment is made attachable with snap connection or counterpart, then the mounting is simplified, but incorrect mounting can occur leading to unstable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means prevent the drive means from being activated unless the valve attachment is in the correct mounting position. This preliminary prevention mechanism ensures that incorrect mounting attempts are blocked before they can result in an unstable connection, while still allowing simple snap-on mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting means provide feedback about the mounting position to the blocking means. When the detection means indicate correct positioning, the blocking means releases to allow drive means activation, creating a feedback loop that ensures reliable mounting while maintaining ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If drive means are used to move fixing means into locking position, then the fixing process is automated, but the drive means cannot be actuated unless the valve attachment is in the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means act as an intermediary between the detecting means and the drive means. They translate the detection signal into a mechanical blocking or releasing action, enabling automated fixing only when correct positioning is detected, while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification through the detecting means that automatically check positioning and control the blocking means. The mounting system serves itself by using its own components to verify correct installation before allowing the fixing process to proceed, reducing the need for external verification.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A valve attachment is described that is attachable to a valve to adjust a flow through the valve, the valve attachment comprising a housing (9), fixing means (10) connected to the housing (9) to fix the attachment to the valve, and detecting means (6) detecting whether the valve attachment is in a predetermined position with respect to the valve, wherein the fixing means (10) are movable from a releasing condition into a locking condition. Such a valve attachment should reliably be mounted in a correct position. To this end the detecting means (6) lock a movement of the fixing means (10) into the locking condition as long as the valve attachment is not in the predetermined position with respect to the valve.