One-Piece Valve Guide With Integral Support for Leak-Safe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve guides in quick disconnects require an installation tool for assembly, which complicates the process and may lead to potential leak paths and increased costs due to multi-piece bodies and elastomeric seals.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, unitary valve guide with integral assembly support and collar supports, allowing for tool-free assembly and integration with existing quick disconnects, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing the risk of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional valve guides are used without integral assembly support, then the valve guide structure is simpler, but an installation tool is required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve guide structure with integral assembly support features by incorporating collar supports directly into the valve guide body. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation tools while maintaining structural simplicity, as the collar supports are formed as part of the valve guide itself rather than as separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve guide structure provides self-service during assembly through its integral collar supports, which automatically support the retention collar during the assembly process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external installation tools, as the valve guide itself performs the support function that would otherwise require a separate tool.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece unitary valve guide is used, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but assembly support features must be integrated into the single component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single valve guide component by integrating collar supports directly into the valve guide body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate assembly support components, reducing manufacturing cost and weight while the collar supports provide the necessary assembly support functionality within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the unitary valve guide structure, the patent incorporates segmented collar support features that are strategically positioned to provide support during assembly. These segmented features are integrated into the single component but maintain distinct functional zones that provide assembly support without requiring separate parts.
3Reliability
If conventional multi-piece valve guides with elastomeric seals are used, then assembly support is provided, but potential leak paths and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve guide and retention collar support functions into a single elastomeric component. This integration eliminates the need for separate metal valve guide components and additional elastomeric seals between multiple parts, reducing weight while maintaining leak prevention through the unified elastomeric structure that inherently seals against the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastomeric material for the integrated valve guide structure, which provides both structural support and sealing functionality. This composite approach using elastomeric material eliminates the need for metal components and multiple seals, reducing weight while maintaining reliability through the material's inherent sealing properties.
4Manufacturing precision
If installation tools are required for assembly, then precise positioning can be achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve guide structure provides self-service positioning during assembly through its integral collar supports, which automatically guide and position the retention collar during installation. This eliminates the need for external installation tools while maintaining positioning accuracy, as the collar supports are precisely formed into the valve guide body to ensure correct alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar supports are pre-formed as integral features of the valve guide structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the positioning and support features are already in place before assembly, eliminating the need for tools during installation and enabling direct placement and accurate positioning of the retention collar.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve guide for a coupling including a circular, longitudinally extending portion, including a substantially circular channel extending therethrough; a ring portion; a plurality of ports radially disposed around a centerline of the valve guide; and one of more collar supports disposed radially about the circular, longitudinally extending portion. The valve guide comprises a unitary one-piece component. A male portion for a coupling that includes a valve guide with integral assembly support and a method for assembling a coupling assembly are also disclosed.