Diaphragm Valve Bonnet Keying for Tool-Less Leak-Safe Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diaphragm valves require complex bolted connections that are time-consuming and prone to leaks, especially during inspection and replacement of the diaphragm assembly, and often involve entrapment areas that complicate assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A tool-less quick-connect mechanism using a bonnet assembly with a housing that includes keyholes and body studs, allowing for a reliable, leak-proof attachment without flange bolts, utilizing a PTFE diaphragm and a secure, quick-turn attachment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bolted connections are used to hold the bonnet assembly and body assembly together, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time and disassembly time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into multiple body studs distributed around the periphery of the body assembly, each independently engaging with the bonnet assembly. This allows for simplified attachment while maintaining distributed strength across multiple connection points rather than relying on a single complex bolted flange connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using traditional bolts that require threading and torqueing, the invention inverts the approach by using body studs with heads that directly engage with recesses or features on the bonnet assembly. The fastening action is reversed from screwing in to simply placing and securing, eliminating the need for torqueing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If traditional flange bolts are used for connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the number of leak points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidleak points

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the traditional flange bolt connection system entirely, replacing it with a direct stud-and-recess engagement mechanism. This removal of intermediate bolted joints reduces the number of potential leak paths while maintaining connection reliability through the direct engagement of body studs with the bonnet assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection function is merged into a single integrated system where body studs and bonnet features work together as a unified attachment mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate bolts, nuts, and flange interfaces, thereby reducing leak points while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If complex bolted connections are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The body studs are self-contained fastening elements with integrated heads that directly engage with corresponding features on the bonnet assembly. The connection system is self-sufficient, requiring no additional bolts, nuts, or complex fastening mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If traditional bolted assemblies are used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The body studs are pre-positioned and integrated into the body assembly during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate installation steps. The simplified engagement mechanism allows for rapid assembly without requiring precision alignment or torqueing operations, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Reliability

If flange bolts and torqueing are required, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening operation is inverted from a complex torqueing process to a simple placement and engagement action. The body studs directly engage with bonnet features without requiring threading, tightening, or torqueing, making the assembly operation significantly easier while maintaining connection reliability through the direct mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3928007B1Keying structure

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC

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AI summary

Technologies are described for a bonnet assembly of a diaphragm valve. The bonnet assembly may comprise a handwheel. The bonnet assembly may comprise a housing. The housing may include a housing base. The housing base may include a top, a bottom, and four sides. Body stud heads of body studs of a body assembly may be in contact with an edge of the top of the housing base. The bonnet assembly may be configured to secure to the body assembly with the body stud heads at least partially exposed.