Pressure-Compensated Valve Assembly With Single Membrane-Spring Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art pressure compensated fluid control valves face challenges in precise control of membrane dimensions due to axial dimensions of retaining means being dependent on multiple components, leading to inefficient assembly and increased tolerance stack-up.
Innovation Solution
A method and structure where both the biasing member and pressure compensation membrane are retained using a single fixing member, allowing for simultaneous assembly and positioning, reducing the number of components and retaining features, and facilitating efficient assembly and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple components are used to retain the membrane and spring separately, then the valve can be assembled with independent positioning of each component, but the axial dimensions become dependent on multiple components leading to increased tolerance stack-up and reduced manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention of both the membrane and spring into a single retaining member that simultaneously holds both components. This merging of retention functions eliminates the need for separate retaining components, thereby reducing the number of interfaces and tolerance accumulation points while maintaining the ability to independently position each component through dedicated positioning features on the unified retaining structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate assembly steps are used for fixing the spring and membrane independently, then each component can be secured with dedicated features, but the assembly process becomes less efficient and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is designed as a single integrated component that performs dual functions of securing both the spring and the membrane. This allows both components to be assembled and secured in a single operation rather than requiring separate assembly steps, thereby improving productivity while maintaining dedicated positioning and retention features for each component through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as both a spring retainer and a membrane retainer. This universal component performs multiple retention functions that were previously distributed across separate components, thereby simplifying the assembly process and improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the specialized retention capabilities needed for each component.
3Reliability
If multiple retaining components are used for the membrane and spring, then each component can be retained with optimized features, but the overall device complexity increases with more components and retaining features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple retaining functions into a single retaining member that simultaneously secures both the spring and the membrane. This reduction in the number of retaining components from two separate parts to one integrated part simplifies the device structure and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable retention of both components through optimized retention features built into the unified structure.
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
This approach results in a more efficient assembly process, improved valve structure, and reduced variations in tolerances, enhancing the predictability and reliability of the valve's pressure compensation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure compensation membrane configured to provide at least one surface on which a pressure from at least one of the first and second fluid ports can act to provide a pressure compensating force to the moveable member
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member that generates a biasing force to oppose the magnetic force. Therefore, in the absence of a magnetic field from the solenoid, the biasing force maintains the valve in a normally open or normally closed position
Implementation Method 3
A solenoid may be used to generate a magnetic field which can exert a magnetic force on a valve member to provide opening, closing and/or switching of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a valve is disclosed. The valve includes a first fluid port, a second fluid port, a fluid path providing fluid communication therebetween, a moveable member, a biasing member and a pressure compensation membrane. The method includes the steps of providing a base member comprising an abutment for receiving a first of the biasing member and the pressure compensation membrane; assembling the biasing member and the pressure compensation membrane with the base member; and affixing a fixing member to the base member to retain the biasing member and the pressure compensation membrane between the fixing member and the abutment.