Flow Path Switching Valve Burr Containment Joint Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welding of valve case and gear case in flow path switching valves can generate burrs that either enter the valve case or protrude, affecting the valve's appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The valve design incorporates annular burr containment spaces on either side of the joint portion between the valve main body and case, containing burrs generated by welding, preventing them from entering or protruding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the valve case and gear case are joined by welding, then the structural strength and sealing performance are improved, but burrs are generated that may enter the valve case or protrude outward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful burrs generated by welding into a beneficial containment system. By designing burr containment spaces with groove structures on both the inner and outer sides of the joint portion, the burrs are redirected to follow the groove paths, preventing them from entering the valve case or protruding outward. This transforms the welding defect into a controlled feature that maintains both joint strength and cleanliness.
2Reliability
If welding is performed to join the valve case and gear case, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the appearance quality deteriorates due to protruding burrs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses appearance quality by designing outer side burr containment grooves that capture and contain burrs before they can protrude outward. The groove structure guides burrs along a controlled path, preventing them from affecting the external appearance while maintaining the welding connection's reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If welding is performed to join the valve case and gear case, then the structural integrity is improved, but the risk of burrs entering the valve case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents burr intrusion by designing inner side burr containment grooves that capture burrs at the joint portion. These grooves create a physical barrier that redirects burrs away from the valve case interior, maintaining structural integrity while eliminating the harmful effect of burr intrusion.
4Productivity
If welding is used to join the valve case and gear case, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the need for additional burr removal processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates burr containment grooves into the mold design during the injection molding process. This preliminary action creates the burr containment structure before welding occurs, allowing the welding process to proceed without requiring subsequent burr removal operations. The grooves are pre-formed as integral features of the valve case and gear case, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a flow path switching valve capable of effectively reducing the influence of burrs that are generated by welding. A flow path switching valve (1) includes an annular joint portion (90) that is formed between a valve main body (10) and a lower case (43) by joining the inner peripheral surface of a surrounding wall portion (15) of the valve main body (10) and the outer peripheral surface of cylindrical portion (46) of the lower case (43) over the entire periphery. In addition, in the flow path switching valve, an annular first burr containment space (91) and an annular second burr containment space (92) are formed between the valve main body and the lower case such that the joint portion is interposed between the first and second burr containment spaces.