One-Piece Valve Guide With Integral Collar Support for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve guides in quick disconnects require an installation tool for assembly, which can be cumbersome and prone to damage, and do not allow for the use of one-piece, unitary bodies that could eliminate leak paths and reduce cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, unitary valve guide with integral collar supports and a circular channel, eliminating the need for external tools during assembly and enabling connectivity with existing quick disconnects without altering dimensions, formed from materials like metal or plastic via additive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional valve guides are used without integral collar supports, then the valve guide structure is simpler, but an installation tool is required for assembly which increases device complexity and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The collar support feature is merged into the valve guide body, creating an integral structure where the collar support is formed as part of the valve guide itself rather than as a separate component. This eliminates the need for external installation tools while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If multi-piece bodies are used with elastomeric seals, then manufacturing is easier, but potential leak paths are introduced and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve guide and collar support are merged into a single monolithic component fabricated via additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate parts and elastomeric seals. This removes potential leak paths while the additive manufacturing process handles the complex geometry that would otherwise require multi-piece construction.
3Productivity
If external installation tools are used, then assembly can be performed, but the risk of tool-related damage increases and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The valve guide structure provides self-service during assembly through its integral collar support feature, which automatically supports the retention collar during installation without requiring external tools. The structure itself performs the support function that would otherwise require a separate installation tool.
4Weight of stationary object
If one-piece unitary components are used, then weight is reduced and leak paths are eliminated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing approach changes from traditional subtractive or assembly-based methods to additive manufacturing, which can efficiently produce complex one-piece structures. This parameter change in the manufacturing process enables weight reduction and leak path elimination while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single fabrication step.
Data Source
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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.