Valve Top Sealing Disk With Rib Pattern

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing upper valve parts face high manufacturing costs and inadequate durability and tightness due to the use of rubber sealing rings, which fail to meet stringent requirements.

Innovation Solution

The use of a plastic sealing disk with a waffle-like microstructure or macrostructure rib pattern, made from materials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW), provides enhanced elasticity and sealing efficacy, along with a groove and pin configuration for fixation, simplifying assembly and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rubber sealing ring is used, then the sealing function is provided, but the durability and tightness do not meet stringent requirements and manufacturing costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive rubber sealing rings with a sealing disk made from plastic material that can be economically molded. The sealing disk is designed as a simpler, more cost-effective component that achieves comparable or superior sealing performance without the high manufacturing costs associated with rubber seals and their complex assembly requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from rubber to plastic (specifically polyethylene or similar materials), and modifies the structural parameters by adding microstructure or macrostructure rib patterns to the sealing disk. These parameter changes enable the sealing disk to achieve adequate elasticity and sealing effect while being more durable and cost-effective than traditional rubber sealing rings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a plastic sealing disk with microstructure or rib pattern is used, then the sealing effect and elasticity are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectVSAvoidsealing disk structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding microstructure or macrostructure rib patterns only to the sealing surface of the disk that contacts the valve seat, while the rest of the disk remains simple and uniform. This localized structural enhancement provides the necessary elasticity and sealing effect only where needed, without unnecessarily complicating the entire sealing disk structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing disk structure is segmented into functional zones: the sealing surface with microstructure or rib pattern for elasticity and sealing, and the bulk plastic material for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design simple and manufacturable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the sealing disk is made from PE-UHMW or PTFE, then the durability and sealing behavior are improved, but the material selection and processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing washer durabilityVSAvoidmaterial processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects plastic materials like PE-UHMW or PTFE that, while requiring specific processing knowledge, can be economically molded using standard plastic injection molding or similar processes. These materials provide superior durability and sealing behavior compared to rubber, and their processing complexity is offset by the elimination of separate sealing ring components and assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the properties of advanced plastic materials (PE-UHMW or PTFE) that combine high durability, low friction, and adequate elasticity in a single material system. This composite material approach replaces the need for multiple materials (rubber sealing ring plus plastic disk) and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while enhancing sealing performance and longevity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution achieves a stable and durable sealing effect with reduced manufacturing costs and improved durability, ensuring effective sealing across various valve seat configurations with minimal deformation and increased preload.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing disk is provided with a waffle-like microstructure at least on its side facing away from the valve stem. This increases the elasticity of the surface, which improves the sealing effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A contact surface of the sealing disc, namely the contact surface that comes into contact with the valve seat of the fitting width, is convex or crowned. As a result, a preload can be achieved, through which the sealing effect is increased.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2522886B1Valve top
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 FLUHS DREHTECHN GMBH
  • EP2522886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2522886B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2522886B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The valve head has a head piece (1) which is centrally penetrating the spindle (2) and is actuatable through the spindle valve element for engagement with a valve seat (61) of housing (6). A sealing device is arranged at the valve portion (3) on the side facing the spindle opposite side, and is provided with a bearing with seal valve stem (33). The seal is formed by sealing disc (4) which is made of plastic. The sealing disc is made of PTFE or ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW).