Valve Interconnector Assembly for Stable Sealing Ring Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing valve interconnector systems face issues with the positional stability of the sealing ring, leading to comfort of use problems during coupling and decoupling operations, and also pose challenges in recycling due to permanent securing methods that hinder the recycling of components and the first hollow body.

Innovation Solution

The proposed valve interconnector design includes improved features such as a code ring cap that retains the sealing ring, a selector mechanism for easy recycling, and a structure that prevents filling of the first hollow body with unintended products, ensuring safety and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sealing ring is retained by axial compression during coupling, then a leak-proof connection is achieved, but the sealing ring loses positional stability and may stick to the receiver interconnector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing connectionVSAvoidpositional stability of sealing ring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring retention function is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: axial compression for sealing (performed by the hollow post) and radial retention for positional stability (performed by the code ring cap). This separation allows each mechanism to optimize its specific function without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The code ring cap acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the sealing ring and the receiver interconnector. It provides a stable retention structure that prevents the sealing ring from sticking to the receiver interconnector while maintaining the necessary compression for sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the valve interconnector is permanently secured to the hollow body, then a secure connection is achieved, but recycling of components and the hollow body is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidrecyclability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent securing mechanism to a dynamic reversible mechanism. The coupling retention flanges and selector enable the connection to be securely established during use and easily released when recycling is needed, adapting the connection state to the operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables the recovery and recycling of components and the hollow body by providing a reversible connection mechanism. The selector mechanism allows the valve interconnector to be securely attached during operation and easily detached for recycling, facilitating the recovery of valuable materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Strength

If the base cap is permanently secured to the neck, then structural integrity is achieved, but disassembly for recycling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base cap-neck connection is designed with reversible securing features that provide structural integrity during operation but allow easy disassembly when needed. The coupling retention flanges and selector mechanism enable the connection to be strongly secured during use and easily released for recycling or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the sealing ring is compressed axially for sealing, then a leak-proof connection is achieved, but the sealing ring may be dragged away from the sealing ring seat during decoupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing and retention functions are segmented into separate mechanisms: axial compression by the hollow post for sealing effectiveness, and radial retention by the code ring cap for preventing the sealing ring from being dragged away during decoupling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The code ring cap serves as an intermediary retention structure that prevents direct interaction between the compressed sealing ring and the receiver interconnector, eliminating the sticking problem while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The improved valve interconnector achieves enhanced positional stability of the sealing ring, facilitates comfortable use during coupling and decoupling, enables efficient recycling of components, and increases safety by preventing the filling of unintended products, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient sealing ring housed inside a sealing ring seat provided in the interior tube portion of the base cap and open at the top. The sealing ring is configured to provide a leak-proof connection with the hollow post of the receiver interconnector by being axially compressed by the hollow post when coupling the receiver interconnector with the valve interconnector.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4179244B1Valve interconnector, assembly and interconnector system comprising the same
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 DIVERSEY INC
  • EP4179244B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4179244B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4179244B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A valve interconnector, suitable for use in combination with a receiver interconnector to couple a first hollow body to a second hollow body, is disclosed. The valve interconnector comprises a neck (7) to be secured to the first hollow body and further comprises a base cap (8) comprising an exterior tube portion (85) covering at least a portion of the external surface (7s) of the neck (7). The exterior tube portion and the neck are secured to each other with ability of relative rotation about a central axis. The valve interconnector is provided with a selector (44, 48) operative between the neck (7) and the exterior tube portion of the base cap (8) and configured for assuming at least a first position and a second position, in the first position the base cap being prevented from being axially released from the neck, in the second position the base cap being enabled to be axially released from the neck.