Valve Body Weld Stud Assembly Without Threaded Bores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control valves require extensive processes and materials to secure body portions using threaded studs, leading to increased time, costs, and weight due to minimum wall thickness requirements, and are prone to incorrect installation and corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of weld studs, which are welded to the valve body and extend through a channel in the bonnet, eliminating the need for threaded bores and stop threads, allowing for secure assembly without lubrication and reducing material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded studs are used to join valve body and bonnet, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing time and costs increase due to extensive processes including lubrication and double nutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading operation from the manufacturing process by using a non-threaded bore instead of a threaded bore. The weld stud is welded directly to the valve body in a simple drilled hole, eliminating the time-consuming threading, lubrication, and double nutting operations while maintaining connection security through the welded joint and external nut assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threading system with a welding system. Instead of using threaded engagement to secure the stud, the stud is welded to the valve body, substituting a complex mechanical assembly process with a more efficient welding operation that reduces manufacturing steps and time.
2Strength
If threaded studs with minimum wall thickness are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but valve body weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the requirement for minimum wall thickness around threaded holes by eliminating threading entirely. The weld stud uses a simple non-threaded bore that requires less material removal and allows for thinner wall sections, reducing the overall weight of the valve body while maintaining structural integrity through the welded connection.
3Reliability
If threaded studs are used, then connection is achieved, but risk of incorrect installation and corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading interface that creates susceptibility to corrosion and installation errors. By using a smooth non-threaded bore with a welded stud, the design eliminates threaded interfaces where moisture and contaminants can accumulate, reducing corrosion risk. The welding process also ensures precise positioning, eliminating installation errors associated with threaded assemblies.
4Manufacturing precision
If threaded bores are used for weld studs, then stud positioning is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading operation from the bore creation process, using a simple drilled hole instead. This non-threaded bore is easier to manufacture with standard drilling equipment, reducing manufacturing complexity while still providing adequate positioning for the weld stud through the drilling operation and welding process.
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 approach reduces manufacturing time and costs, eliminates the risk of incorrect installation, and meets industry standards without adding unnecessary height or weight to the valve body, while ensuring a secure seal.
Implementation Method 1
a weld stud welded to the valve body in the bore, the weld stud having a first end welded to the bottom wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Weld studs for use in fluid control bodies are described herein. An example apparatus includes a fluid control body and a weld stud coupled to the fluid control body. The weld stud is to accept a structure to be coupled to the fluid control body.