Valve for a refrigeration application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration valves require complex and cumbersome procedures to replace deteriorated sealing elements, due to the circular geometry of the flanges and piston, which makes it difficult to apply a tool to counteract the torque of the screws.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a non-circular connector geometry at the bottom side of the outer flange, allowing for easier tool access and facilitating the rotation of the piston, thereby simplifying the process of unscrewing and replacing the sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the flanges and piston are made circular for ease of manufacturing and assembly, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simplified, but it becomes difficult to apply a tool to counteract torque during screw removal and replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-circular connector geometry (such as hexagonal, square, or other polygonal shapes) on the outer flange, creating an asymmetric feature that allows tool engagement for torque counteraction during screw removal and replacement operations, while the rest of the flange and piston maintain circular symmetry for manufacturing ease
2Device complexity
If the flanges are made circular for structural simplicity, then the valve structure is simplified, but tool access becomes difficult when servicing the sealing element
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular connector geometry creates an asymmetric tool engagement interface on the otherwise circular flange structure, enabling technicians to apply tools for screw removal and sealing element replacement while maintaining the overall structural simplicity of circular flanges
3Ease of repair
If a non-circular connector geometry is added to the outer flange for tool engagement, then tool access and torque counteraction are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is segmented into two functional zones: a circular outer structure for structural simplicity and manufacturing ease, and a localized non-circular connector geometry for tool engagement, thereby distributing complexity only where necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular connector geometry serves multiple functions: providing tool engagement for torque counteraction, serving as a positioning feature for screw alignment, and potentially indicating the orientation for sealing element replacement, thereby reducing the need for additional separate components
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration application, in particular a shut-off and/or regulating valve includes a bonnet connected to a housing with two fluid openings, a spindle and a piston for opening and closing a fluid passage between the two fluid openings. The spindle engages the piston for moving it between a closed position and an open position of the valve. A bottom closing portion of the piston includes an outer flange and an inner flange between which a sealing element is provided, wherein the two flanges are connected to each other by means of at least one screw and wherein a non-circular connector geometry for connecting a tool is provided at the bottom side of the outer flange.