Valve Flange Connection Eliminating Threaded Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs require complex and costly threaded joints to connect the drive housing and intermediate pieces, which complicates manufacturing and increases material usage.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a drive housing with a shim part and a tubular intermediate piece where the intermediate piece is flanged over a rim and shim part, eliminating the need for screw threads, using a disk spring for axial tolerance compensation, and allowing for a stable connection without material excess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded joints are used to connect the drive housing and intermediate piece, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded joint component from the connection system. Instead of using traditional screw threads to connect the drive housing and intermediate piece, the patent uses a simple flange that is pressed against the front wall, removing the complex threading structure entirely while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameter from threaded mechanical engagement to flange-based pressing contact. The flange is pressed against the front wall with sufficient force to create a reliable connection without requiring threaded structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining connection stability.
2Reliability
If threaded joints are used to connect the drive housing and intermediate piece, then the connection is stable, but the material usage and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the threaded joint structure entirely, extracting only the essential function of connection. The flange design uses minimal material compared to threaded structures, eliminating unnecessary material consumption while maintaining stable connection between the drive housing and intermediate piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method changes from threaded engagement requiring significant material for thread formation to a flange pressing design that requires minimal material. This parameter change reduces material usage and manufacturing cost while preserving connection reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the intermediate piece is flanged over the rim, then the manufacturing is simplified and costs are reduced, but the aperture may be damaged during the flanging process
Solution Approach 1:
The shim part acts as an intermediary protective element between the flanging tool and the aperture. During the flanging process, the shim part absorbs and distributes the pressing forces, preventing direct contact between the tool and the aperture, thereby eliminating the risk of aperture damage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim part is installed beforehand to cushion and protect the aperture during the subsequent flanging operation. This prior protective measure ensures that the pressing forces applied during flanging are distributed evenly through the shim part, preventing concentration of forces that could damage the aperture.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a shim part is added to protect the aperture, then the aperture is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shim part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the aperture from damage during flanging, distributes pressing forces evenly, and can contribute to the overall structural integrity of the connection. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the simple component without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and material usage, ensures even force distribution, and provides a stable connection suitable for pneumatic drives by eliminating the need for screw threads and ensuring axial tolerance compensation.
Implementation Method 1
The spring, which is prestressed in the assembled condition, provides an axial tolerance compensation
Implementation Method 2
The end of the intermediate plate is plastically deformed outwardly so that the outwardly extending, ring-shaped edge extends over the rim and the shim part
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprises a drive housing part having a front wall with an aperture being defined by a rim, a substantially tubular intermediate piece having an end projecting through the aperture from outside into the interior of the drive housing part, and a shim part on an inside of the front wall. An end of the intermediate piece is flanged radially outwards over the rim and over the shim part.