Pressure-Compensated Valve Assembly With Single-Member Retention
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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 complex assembly processes and variations in tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A method where both the biasing member and pressure compensation membrane are retained using a single fixing member, facilitating their assembly in a single step, reducing the number of components and retaining features, and allowing for precise positioning and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate retaining means are used for the biasing member and pressure compensation membrane, then each component can be retained independently, but the assembly process becomes complex and tolerance stack-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retaining functions into a single retaining member that simultaneously retains both the biasing member and the pressure compensation membrane. This single retaining member integrates what were previously separate retaining features, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable retention of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is designed to perform multiple functions: it retains the biasing member, retains the pressure compensation membrane, and provides a common mounting structure. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate retaining features for each component, reducing assembly complexity and tolerance stack-up.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the axial dimensions of retaining means depend on multiple components, then component positioning is flexible, but precise control of membrane dimensions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dimension control function from the multiple-component retaining system and concentrates it in the single retaining member. By defining the axial dimensions of the membrane through this single component rather than through the cumulative dimensions of multiple components, precise control of membrane dimensions is achieved while maintaining positioning flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate assembly steps are used for fixing the spring and membrane, then each component can be assembled independently, but the overall assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assembly operations for the biasing member and pressure compensation membrane into a single assembly step. The single retaining member allows both components to be installed simultaneously during one assembly operation, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and significantly improving assembly efficiency.
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 method and a more reliable valve structure with reduced tolerance stack-up, enabling improved precision and resilience to external pressure variations.
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 configured to bias the moveable member toward or away from the valve seat
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
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AI summary
A method for assembling a valve (200) is disclosed. The valve (200) includes a first fluid port (211), a second fluid port (212), a fluid path (214) providing fluid communication therebetween, a moveable member (220), a biasing member (230) and a pressure compensation membrane (240). The method includes the steps of providing a base member comprising an abutment for receiving a first of the biasing member (230) and the pressure compensation membrane (240); assembling the biasing member (230) and the pressure compensation membrane (240) with the base member; and affixing a fixing member to the base member to retain the biasing member (230) and the pressure compensation membrane (240) between the fixing member and the abutment.