Valve Case Mounting Structure With Segmented Retaining Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve case mounting structures face challenges in workability and security, particularly when mounting the case main body on the lid body, as the distal end of the fitting portion can bump into the edge of the opening portion, preventing further insertion and risking the valve case from falling off the mounting base.
Innovation Solution
A valve case mounting structure featuring a mounting base with a valve case supporting portion and retaining pieces that include first and second engagement holes, where the engagement convex portion is sequentially inserted into these holes, allowing the retaining piece to expand and be held by a holding portion, preventing it from becoming uninsertable and ensuring secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distal end portion of the fitting portion is pushed to expand and get over the engagement protrusion, then the engagement protrusion can be engaged with the engagement hole, but the distal end portion bumps into the edge portion of the opening portion and becomes unable to push in any more
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion is divided into multiple segments separated by slits, allowing it to expand in a controlled manner. This segmentation enables the distal end to expand and clear the engagement protrusion without bumping into the opening portion edge, resolving the contradiction between engagement reliability and mounting workability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting portion transitions from a rigid state during insertion to an expandable state during engagement. The slits enable dynamic expansion of the fitting portion, allowing it to adapt its shape during the mounting process to clear obstacles and achieve proper engagement, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the expansion of the fitting portion is regulated by the holding portion, then the engagement protrusion is less likely to fall off the engagement hole, but the distal end portion becomes unable to push in when it bumps into the edge portion
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion is segmented by slits into expandable sections. This segmentation allows the distal end to expand progressively as it is pushed, enabling it to clear the engagement protrusion and opening portion edge before the holding portion restricts further expansion, thus maintaining both insertability and retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting portion is designed to expand in advance before reaching the holding portion. The slits enable the distal end to pre-expand and clear the engagement protrusion and opening edge, so that when the holding portion is reached, the fitting portion can be properly retained without having been blocked earlier in the insertion 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 configuration enhances the workability of mounting the valve case by preventing the retaining piece from bumping into the holding portion, allowing smooth insertion and secure retention of the valve case on the mounting base, thereby improving mounting efficiency and preventing the valve case from falling off.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining piece is expanded by being pressed from inside by the engagement convex portion
Data Source
AI summary
A valve case mounting structure includes a mount base and a valve case. The mount base includes a valve case support portion and a retainer piece having a first engagement opening and a second engagement opening. The valve case includes an engaging projection portion, and a holder portion. When the engaging projection portion is positioned at a front end side of the first engagement opening, the retainer piece does not reach the holder portion. When the engaging projection portion is moved from the front end side of the first engagement opening toward the second engagement opening, a front end portion of the retainer piece is inserted into the holding space before becoming unable to be inserted into the holder portion.