Movable Shutter Valve Assembly Using Segmented Retaining Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs require high assembly times and costs due to the need for multiple axial screws to secure secondary bodies with flanges to the hollow body, which also applies to the flange for the shutter control stem, resulting in inefficient and costly assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a ring split into arcs for fast and robust fixation of secondary bodies to the hollow body, with radial holes for permanent or temporary fixation, and a threaded ring or bayonet coupling for the flange, allowing for simplified assembly and enhanced strength through specialized stop arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple axial screws are used to fix secondary bodies to the hollow body, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into multiple arcs that can be assembled separately and then joined together to form a complete circular connection structure. This segmentation allows for faster assembly compared to using multiple discrete axial screws, while still providing robust connection strength through the distributed arc structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple axial screw connections are merged into a single integrated ring structure that provides equivalent or superior connection strength. The ring, composed of joined arcs, consolidates the function of multiple fasteners into one unified component, reducing assembly steps while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple axial screws are used to fix the flange for the shutter control stem, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple arcs that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process by allowing workers to install arc segments sequentially rather than coordinating multiple axial screws, while the complete ring structure maintains high fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves multiple functions: it provides fixation, maintains alignment, and distributes mechanical loads. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized fastening components, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable fixation of the flange for the shutter control stem.
3Strength
If a complete ring is used to fix the secondary body, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to the need for precise circular alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The complete ring is segmented into multiple arcs that can be assembled independently. Each arc segment requires less precise alignment than a complete ring, making the assembly process easier. The segments are then joined together to form the complete circular structure, achieving both ease of assembly and high connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcs are pre-formed as separate components with predetermined geometries that facilitate easy alignment and connection. This preliminary preparation of modular arc segments eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment procedures required for complete rings, while still achieving the desired connection strength when the arcs are assembled and joined.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve having a hollow body which extends along a main axis (X), in which at least one secondary body is arranged at one end of the hollow body substantially coaxial to the main axis (X) and has an inner end portion with a collar protruding towards the inner surface of the hollow body is disclosed. The hollow body has at least one annular groove in which a ring is arranged at least partially to prevent the movement of the secondary body towards the end of the hollow body, in which the ring is divided into at least two arcs configured to be inserted individually inside the groove of the hollow body to form the ring.