Valve Cup Sealing for Pressurized Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves for pressurized fluid containers face challenges in achieving a robust and reliable sealing between the valve cup and housing, leading to gas loss and water vapor ingress, which causes undesirable chemical reactions and sticking issues, particularly in polyurethane containers.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a valve cup that follows the step-like contour of the housing, with a sealing mechanism on the upper side that simultaneously seals the valve cup against the housing and the stem against the housing, utilizing a metallic spring element and crimping to secure the valve cup, and a flange on the stem for enhanced sealing, along with a top sealing part and means to limit the opening distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is provided between the housing and valve cup, then structural stability is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving both rigid connection and sealing simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between housing and valve cup is divided into two functional zones: a rigid mechanical connection zone for structural stability and a separate sealing zone for preventing gas and vapor leakage. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element (such as a gasket or O-ring) is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing and valve cup. This intermediary provides the sealing function while allowing the rigid mechanical connection to maintain structural stability, resolving the conflict between the two requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are provided, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated sealing element or sealing groove structure. This unified approach maintains sealing reliability by providing comprehensive sealing coverage while reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: sealing against gas leakage, preventing water vapor ingress, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sealing components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the valve cup is crimped around the housing, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping operation is performed as a preliminary action during the assembly process, where the valve cup is deformed and secured around the housing before final assembly. This preliminary crimping ensures proper sealing and structural integrity while integrating the sealing function into a standard manufacturing step, avoiding additional complex operations.
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
The solution results in a robust valve with minimal permeability and sticking, reduced gas loss during filling and storage, and consistent opening force over time, suitable for dispensing foam with improved sealing and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, preferably a metallic spring element, is held which pushes the stem in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The valve cup is crimped around the housing. This means that the valve cup is deformed with a crimping tool around the housing in order to fix it on the housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention concerns a valve for a container for dispensing pressurized fluid, said valve comprising a housing which is mounted on a valve cup, a hollow stem provided in a passage of the housing which stem has at least one lateral inlet opening at its lower end and an outlet opening at its upper end, and spring means, wherein the housing has a circumferential step-like contour with an outer, lower part and a central, upper part. In order to provide a valve with a better and simpler sealing it is proposed according to the present invention the valve cup follows essentially the step-like contour line of the housing and ends horizontally on the top of the housing close to the stem and wherein a sealing is provided on the upper side of the housing between the housing and the valve cup and which seals at the same time the valve cup against the housing and the stem against the housing.