Valve Interlock Assembly for Fast Plate-Mounted Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting a valve body to a fixing and supporting plate require multiple sequential operations and the use of various connecting and fixing means, making the process complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection system featuring an aperture in the plate, a channel in the first body, a retaining formation in the second body, and an interlock member that slidably engages with both, allowing simultaneous axial and transverse locking of the bodies and plate, thereby simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sequential operations and various connecting means are used to connect valve body to fixing plate, then reliable connection is achieved, but connection time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connecting and fixing operations into a single integrated interconnection system. The interlock member simultaneously performs axial locking, transverse confinement, and plate attachment functions that previously required separate sequential operations, thereby reducing connection time while maintaining reliability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an axial lock, a transverse confiner, and a plate connector. This universal component replaces the need for multiple specialized connecting means, reducing both time and complexity while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If multiple sequential operations and various connecting means are used to connect valve body to fixing plate, then secure connection is achieved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connecting means into a single integrated interconnection system. The interlock member combines axial locking, transverse confinement, and plate attachment into one component, simplifying the connection process while maintaining security through the coordinated action of its integrated features.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock member serves as a universal component that performs multiple connection functions simultaneously, replacing the need for various specialized connecting means. This multi-functionality reduces process complexity while ensuring secure connection through the design's inherent locking and confinement mechanisms.
3Reliability
If traditional connecting methods are used, then connection security is maintained, but the number of operations and fixing means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fixing operations into a single simultaneous interconnection action. The interlock member performs axial locking, transverse confinement, and plate attachment in one operation, increasing connection speed while maintaining security through the integrated design of its multiple functional features.
4Productivity
If simplified interconnection system is used, then connection speed increases, but structural complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection system is segmented into distinct functional features within the interlock member: axial locking portions, transverse confining portions, and plate attachment features. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving rapid connection while managing structural complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the overall number of separate parts needed. This multi-functionality simplifies the system structure compared to using multiple separate components, while achieving fast connection through the coordinated action of its integrated features.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The system comprises: a plate (5) in which there is formed an aperture (9) into which the first body (4) can be inserted in a direction of connection (F) and in which this body can be placed in a predetermined relative position, in which an axial portion (4c) of this body is transversely confined and locked in the aperture (9); a channel (8) formed in the periphery of a first body (4) in a direction which forms an angle with the direction of connection (F); a retaining formation (14) created in the second body (3) along a direction forming an angle with the direction of connection (F); retention and guide means (10, 11) associated with the plate (5), for defining a direction of sliding (G) substantially parallel to the plate (5), and at least one interlock member (15) which can be inserted slidably into the retention and guide means (10, 11) of the plate (5) and which has a first and a second longitudinal profile (15g, 15f) which can engage slidably, respectively, in the channel (8) of the first body (4) and with the retaining formation (14) of the second body (3) when the first body (4) is placed in the specified relative position in the second body (3) and in the aperture (9) of the plate (5), in such a way that the first and second bodies (4, 3) are fixed together axially and transversely and are fixed to the plate (5).