Valve Device Modular Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices, such as those used in motor vehicles and vending machines, face difficulties in assembly due to complex connections between the housing of the drive unit and the valve unit, making them unsuitable for modular systems and increasing assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A valve device design where the drive unit and valve are connected via a coupling device between the housings, allowing for torque transmission and enabling preassembly, with a form-fitting coupling for precise adjustment and a splash guard for protection, facilitating easier assembly and modular integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the drive unit and valve unit are connected via a complex connection structure between housings, then torque transmission is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and modular assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is divided into separate modular units (drive unit and valve unit) that can be manufactured independently and assembled later. The coupling device enables these segmented units to connect through their shafts in the intermediate space, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary element positioned in the intermediate space between the drive unit housing and valve unit housing. It mediates the connection between the drive shaft and control shaft, enabling torque transmission without requiring complex integrated structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling point is positioned within the housings, then torque transmission is achieved, but preassembly becomes difficult and modular combinations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling point is relocated from within the housings to the intermediate space between them, representing a spatial dimension change. This allows the shafts to protrude and connect externally, enabling easy preassembly of the valve unit and drive unit separately before final integration.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling device is exposed to the environment, then accessibility for assembly is improved, but moisture ingress reduces service life
Solution Approach 1:
A splash guard structure is introduced to protect the coupling device in the intermediate space from moisture and environmental factors. This flexible protective element maintains assembly accessibility while preventing water ingress that would reduce service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate space, which initially exposes the coupling device to environmental harm, is converted into a protected zone by introducing the splash guard. The same accessible positioning that enabled easy assembly now allows for effective placement of protective elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve device (1) comprising: a valve, in particular a disc valve (2), which has a first housing (4) with multiple connections (7-9) for a liquid and/or gaseous medium; and comprising a drive unit (3) with a second housing (58), in which a drive device is located (59,60). The housings (4,58) are arranged at least substantially at a distance from one another. According to the invention, the valve (2) has a control shaft (33) and the drive device (3) has a drive shaft (70) that is operatively connected to the drive device (59,60) and that is or can be operatively connected to the control shaft (33) by means of a coupling device (72). The coupling device (72) is located between the first and second housing (4,58).