Valve Housing Securing Element With Snap-Lock Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve housings with toothing on securing elements and inner housings are difficult to manufacture and require high torque for assembly and unlocking, and lack a reliable mechanism to ensure the housing remains secured in the desired position.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece securing element with a clamping region that engages in a pocket on the outer housing, featuring an outwardly inclined flat surface to provide a clamping effect and visual/ tactile verification, eliminating the need for toothing and reducing assembly force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toothing is used on the securing element and inner housing to prevent loosening, then the housing is secured against unintentional loosening, but the manufacturing complexity increases and assembly requires high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex toothing structure from both the securing element and inner housing, retaining only a simple circumferential shoulder on the inner housing. The securing element is simplified to have a clamping region that engages with this shoulder, eliminating the need for interlocking teeth while maintaining securing functionality through the inclined clamping surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the securing element by introducing an inclined clamping surface (with inclination angle alpha) instead of using toothing. This parametric approach allows the clamping region to generate securing force through its inclined geometry rather than through mechanical interlocking of teeth, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
2Reliability
If toothing is used on the securing element and inner housing, then the housing is secured against loosening, but the assembly and unlocking require high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the toothing structure that necessitates high assembly torque, replacing it with a simple shoulder engagement and inclined clamping surface. This extraction of the complex toothing mechanism eliminates the need for high torque during both assembly and unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the geometric parameters to include an inclined clamping surface with a specific inclination angle, the patent enables the securing mechanism to function with minimal assembly force. The inclined geometry provides mechanical advantage that reduces the torque required compared to engaging toothing structures.
3Reliability
If a separate securing element with toothing is used, then the housing can be secured, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the toothing structure from the securing element, leaving only the essential clamping region and fastening region. This simplification dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving the core securing function through engagement with the simple circumferential shoulder on the inner housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by defining the securing element with a simple inclined clamping surface rather than complex toothing. This parametric simplification makes the securing element easier and more economical to manufacture through conventional processes like injection molding or CNC machining, while maintaining adequate securing performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy opening and secure locking of valve housings with minimal force, ensuring the housing remains locked in the correct position without unintentional loosening, and allows for economical production.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping region has an outwardly directed flat clamping surface which is inclined outwards in the radial direction relative to the perpendicularly running valve axis. Due to the clamping surface that runs inclined to the valve axis, the thickness of the clamping web increases in the radial direction starting from the fastening region, as a result of which a clamping effect and a locking in the pocket of the outer housing is generated
Implementation Method 2
into which the clamping region of the securing element snaps in the end position. By snapping the clamping region into the pocket, a click is performed, as a result of which acoustic feedback is provided that the outer housing is located in the desired end position
Data Source
AI summary
Housing for a valve, preferably a valve in which the stroke for opening and closing takes place perpendicular to the flow direction of the valve, comprising an outer housing and an inner housing, wherein the outer housing and the inner housing can be screwed together, wherein the inner housing has a circumferential shoulder on the outer circumference and a securing element, wherein the securing element having a clamping and fastening region is formed as a one-piece, separate part, wherein the fastening region of the securing element is arranged in a form-fitting manner in a recess arranged below the shoulder on the outer circumference of the inner housing and the clamping region of the securing element protrudes beyond the shoulder and engages in the outer housing, wherein on the inner circumference of the outer housing a pocket is arranged into which the clamping region of the securing element snaps in the end position, wherein the clamping region has an outwardly directed flat clamping surface inclined to the perpendicularly running valve axis.