Valve Hinge Pin Post Alignment via Dowel Pin Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precision and longevity of flapper valves are compromised due to the imprecision in mounting and locating hinge pin posts, particularly with non-integral posts, which can lead to skewed alignment and reduced structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The use of dowel pins to precisely align and secure non-integral posts to the valve housing, allowing for precise retention of hinge pins while enabling the benefits of non-integral post design, such as material optimization and easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-integral posts are used to connect valve housing and hinge pin, then manufacturing cost is reduced and maintainability is improved, but mounting precision and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A dowel pin is introduced as an intermediary component between the non-integral post and valve housing. The dowel pin fits precisely into corresponding holes in both the post and housing, serving as a mediator that ensures accurate alignment and positioning. This allows the benefits of non-integral posts (easier manufacture and maintenance) to be retained while achieving mounting precision comparable to integral posts.
2Ease of repair
If non-integral posts are used to connect valve housing and hinge pin, then maintainability is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the non-integral post and valve housing is strengthened by combining multiple attachment methods: the dowel pin provides precise positioning and alignment, while additional fasteners (such as set screws or bolts) provide mechanical clamping force. This combination merges the advantages of precise positioning with strong mechanical attachment, achieving structural integrity comparable to integral posts while maintaining the modularity and maintainability of non-integral posts.
3Manufacturing precision
If integral posts are used to connect valve housing and hinge pin, then mounting precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integral post structure is segmented into separate components: the valve housing, the dowel pin, and the non-integral post. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, then assembled together to achieve the precision of an integral structure. The dowel pin acts as a precision reference element that guides the post positioning, enabling high mounting precision without the complexity of machining an integral structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a housing with a flow passage and a hole extending into the housing; a post with a base and a hole extending into the base, the post connected to the housing; and a dowel pin which sits in the hole of the housing and extends into the hole in the post.