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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidburr generation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidappearance quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidburr intrusion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4001718B1Flow path switching valve
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 FUJIKOKI CORP
  • EP4001718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001718B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.