Valve Bonnet Spindle Automatic Closure via Spring Prestress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing upper valve parts lack automatic closure functionality and optimal space utilization, often experiencing material fatigue due to frequent impacts and requiring additional space for stop profiles.

Innovation Solution

The spindle is prestressed in the closing direction by a spring element, allowing the control disc to automatically return to its original closed position, with features like a double torsion spring and inclined central axis to enhance force introduction and space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the valve is designed with stop profiles to limit spindle rotation, then the maximum rotation angle is controlled, but material fatigue occurs due to frequent impacts and additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle controlVSAvoidmaterial fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is pre-tensioned to exert a closing force on the spindle before operation. This preliminary action ensures that the spindle is constantly pushed toward the closed position, eliminating the need for stop profiles to limit rotation and preventing material fatigue from impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve design transitions from a static system with fixed stop profiles to a dynamic system where the spring element continuously applies force. The spindle can rotate freely within the spring's elastic range, converting the rigid stop mechanism into a flexible, fatigue-free dynamic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the valve is designed without stop profiles to eliminate material fatigue, then reliability improves, but the maximum rotation angle cannot be controlled and the valve occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial fatigue resistanceVSAvoidvalve size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is pre-tensioned during assembly to establish a predetermined closing force. This preliminary action defines the operational range of the spindle without requiring physical stops, eliminating the need for additional space while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes the controlling parameter from geometric stops to spring force characteristics. By adjusting spring parameters (stiffness, pre-tension), the maximum rotation angle is controlled through force balance rather than physical constraints, reducing the valve's overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single-leg spring is used to prestress the spindle, then the structure is simpler, but the force introduction is not linear and guidance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring structureVSAvoidforce introduction linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring system is divided into two identical legs that work in parallel. Each leg contributes equally to the closing force, creating a balanced, linear force application. This segmentation also provides inherent guidance as the two legs constrain the spindle's movement path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The double-leg spring configuration creates a symmetric force system where the two legs act as counterbalancing elements. This symmetry ensures linear force introduction and stable guidance of the spindle throughout its rotation range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 automatic closure with increased pivoting angle and minimal installation space, reducing material fatigue and improving the valve's operational reliability and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

the spindle is prestressed in the closing direction of the control disc via at least one spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the at least one spring element comprises a torsion spring, which is preferably designed as a double torsion spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 3

the spindle has a spherical portion on which the pin is arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical joint: Ball

Implementation Method 4

The sealing rings are preferably designed as O-rings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3265704B1Valve bonnet for fittings
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 FLUHS DREHTECHN GMBH
  • EP3265704B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3265704B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3265704B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve bonnet having a head piece (1) in which a spindle (2) is arranged and which rests on a disk guide (3) and engages, via a pin (28), a control disk (4) guided in the disk guide (3). Said control disk is in contact with a rotationally fixed passage disk (5) that has at least one passage opening (52). The spindle (2) has a spherical portion (23) on which the pin (28) is arranged, the spindle (2) being pretensioned in the closing direction of the control disk (4) by at least one spring element.