Valve Seal Member Reducing Sealing Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of manufacturing valve assemblies with multiple sealing regions increases the likelihood of seal failure, especially when dealing with pressurized fluid inlets, as seen in prior art valves with three separate sealing regions.
Innovation Solution
A valve seal member with a port interface portion and seal portions that encompass valve seats, featuring a duct connecting port apertures to the seal portions, and a retainer system with rings and steps to secure the seal portions, reducing the need for a ring seal and simplifying the assembly process by compressively sealing to both the valve body and seat insert at a single interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sealing regions are used to assemble the valve seat insert to the valve body, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate sealing regions into a single integrated sealing region by using a unified sealing structure that seals against both the valve body and valve seat insert simultaneously. This reduces the number of separate sealing interfaces from three (ring seal, weld region, port insert seal) to one continuous sealing region, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure is designed to perform multiple sealing functions within a single component. The unified sealing region provides both the seal against the valve body and the seal against the valve seat insert, making the sealing system multi-functional and reducing the overall complexity of the assembly.
2Reliability
If three separate sealing regions are used to assemble the valve seat insert, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the manufacturing process by combining three separate sealing operations into a single sealing operation. The unified sealing region can be installed and sealed in one step rather than requiring three separate sealing processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the same comprehensive sealing coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple separate sealing regions are used, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple sealing regions into a single unified sealing region, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and potential trapping areas for debris and contaminants. This streamlined sealing structure is easier to clean and maintain while providing comprehensive sealing coverage, thereby improving ease of operation and maintenance.
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 design enhances sealing efficiency by reducing the number of sealing interfaces, minimizing the risk of seal failure and allowing for easier cleaning and maintenance, while maintaining effective fluid isolation across multiple ports.
Implementation Method 1
a valve seal member compressively assembled to and sealing to both the valve body and the valve seat insert
Data Source
AI summary
The valve (100) comprises a valve body (101), a valve seat insert (103) assembled to the valve body (101), and a valve seal member (120) compressively assembled to and sealing to both the valve body (101) and the valve seat insert (103), with the valve seal member (120) including one or more port apertures (202).