Valve Head Stop Structure for Excessive Torque Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing upper valve parts are prone to damage due to excessive torque, particularly in hospital fittings with long operating handles, leading to twisting of the spindle and damage to the stop surfaces, especially in valve parts with small dimensions.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a cantilever with a T-shaped cross-section and a lateral overhang that supports the stop surface when the spindle twists, preventing movement towards the control disk and distributing torsional forces, with additional support from circular arc webs on the head piece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the spindle is made small to reduce device size, then the valve part dimensions are reduced, but the spindle becomes more susceptible to twisting under excessive torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve part dimensionsVSAvoidspindle resistance to twisting
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single-point stop mechanism to a distributed support system by adding lateral overhangs that extend in a different spatial dimension. These overhangs create additional contact points with the stop surface, distributing the torque load across multiple areas rather than concentrating it at one point, thereby preventing spindle twisting while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the stop surface is made small to reduce device size, then the valve part dimensions are reduced, but the stop surface becomes more susceptible to damage from excessive torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve part dimensionsVSAvoidstop surface damage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral overhangs extend the stop surface interaction into a new spatial dimension, creating a distributed contact area rather than a single concentrated point. This multi-point contact distribution reduces the stress concentration on any single area of the stop surface, preventing damage while maintaining compact valve part dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a long operating handle is used to improve operation, then ease of operation is improved, but excessive torque is generated that can twist the spindle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation easeVSAvoidtorque on spindle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral overhangs provide preemptive structural reinforcement to the spindle assembly before excessive torque is applied. By creating a distributed support system in advance, the invention prepares the structure to absorb and distribute harmful torque loads, preventing spindle twisting even when long operating handles generate excessive forces during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3591271B1Upper part of a valve
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 FLUHS DREHTECHN GMBH
  • EP3591271B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3591271B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3591271B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve head, in particular for sanitary fittings, with a sleeve-like head (1) that can be attached in a valve housing of a fitting, which is centrally penetrated by a spindle (2) having a handle connection, which is rotatably mounted in the head (1) about its longitudinal axis and by means of which a valve body can be actuated, wherein at least one radially projecting extension (27) is formed on the spindle (2) within the head (1), which can be abutted with a side surface against at least one stop (19) arranged in the head (1), thereby limiting the maximum angle of rotation of the spindle (2), wherein a projection (271) is formed laterally on the extension (27), which, when the extension (27) abuts a stop (19) of the head (1), at least partially covers this stop (19).