Valve Component Pressing Mechanism for Natural Gas Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve components for natural gas vehicle refueling, particularly connection nipples, are expensive to produce and assemble due to complex thread production and the need for multiple O-rings for sealing, which increases costs and assembly effort.
Innovation Solution
A valve component design that uses a pressing mechanism to connect sleeve-shaped housing parts securely and pressure-tightly without complex threads, employing a single sealing sleeve made of resistant plastic like PEEK for both external sealing and as a sealing surface for the valve, allowing for cost savings and simplified assembly, including the option to integrate a filter insert for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If complex threads are used to connect housing parts, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection function and sealing function into a single integrated pressing mechanism. The housing parts are connected through a pressing action that simultaneously creates the mechanical connection and the sealing interface, eliminating the need for separate threaded connections and multiple sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing mechanism serves multiple functions: it connects the housing parts mechanically, creates the sealing interface, and positions internal components. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional separate functions of threads (connection) and O-rings (sealing).
2Reliability
If multiple O-rings are used for sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function into the housing structure itself through the pressing mechanism. The pressing action creates a sealing interface directly between the housing parts, eliminating the need for separate O-rings or sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts themselves provide the sealing function through their pressed-together interface. The structure is designed so that the connection and sealing are achieved through the same mechanical action, making the system self-sufficient without additional sealing components.
3Reliability
If traditional threaded connection with multiple O-rings is used, then sealing is achieved, but assembly effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines connection and sealing into a single pressing operation, reducing the assembly process to one action instead of multiple steps required for threading and installing separate sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts are designed with pre-formed pressing surfaces and geometric features that guide the pressing action and ensure proper alignment before the actual connection, enabling rapid assembly without complex alignment procedures.
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 design significantly reduces production and assembly costs, enhances sealing reliability, and simplifies the assembly process, enabling automation with robots, while maintaining long-term tightness and media resistance, even at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a sealing sleeve at the joint between the housing parts results in a secure seal to the outside, but at the same time a sealing surface for the installed valve
Implementation Method 2
The proposed pressing of the two housing parts of the valve component, in particular in the form of a connection nipple, makes it possible to connect them securely and pressure-tight without complex threads
Implementation Method 3
the check valve 7 consists of a sealing cone 7' which is mounted in a telescopic element 6 with a closing spring 6'. When pressure is applied, in particular during refueling, the sealing cone 7' can thus deviate to the left here due to the displacement movement against the spring 6'
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
For the simple and cost-effective production of a valve component (1) in the form of a non-return valve or a connecting nipple, in particular for the refuelling of natural gas vehicles, or for the pressure-tight connection to a fluid line or a plug-in coupling, wherein the valve component (1) has two housing parts (3, 4) which are connected pressure-tightly to each other and accommodate a valve (7) there within, it is proposed that the housing parts (3, 4) are pressed together at an annular groove (3').