Fluid Control Valve Sleeve Retention With Snap Ring and Filter Bias

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid control valve units have complex structures, require multiple parts, and are prone to assembly complications due to the risk of fixing members coming off and the inclusion of crimped and fixed filter members, which can lead to foreign matter entry and reduced functional reliability.

Innovation Solution

A simplified fluid control valve unit design featuring a sleeve with a spool, a cylindrical passage member, a filter member with elastic parts, and a snap ring that securely holds the sleeve in place, reducing parts and assembly complexity while preventing foreign matter entry and ensuring reliable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a press-fitted fixing member is used to hold the sleeve, then the sleeve can be positioned, but the structure becomes complicated and the fixing member may come off due to impact or time degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleeve positioning reliabilityVSAvoidfixing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a snap ring with a distinct circular cross-section that can be visually identified and installed in the annular groove, providing a reliable and simple fixing mechanism for the sleeve without complex press-fitted structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a press-fitted fixing member that requires insertion and retention forces, the patent employs a snap ring that utilizes elastic deformation and geometric interlocking in the annular groove to secure the sleeve, reversing the conventional fixing approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a sealing member and filter member are crimped and fixed to the check valve body, then sealing and filtering functions are achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and assembly work is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing and filtering reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing member and filter member into a single integrated assembly that is installed as one unit in the check valve body, eliminating the need for separate crimping and fixing operations while maintaining sealing and filtering functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member and filter member are pre-assembled together before installation into the check valve body, allowing for simplified assembly operations and reduced complexity during the final assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for the sleeve holding structure, then each component can be optimized, but the number of parts increases and assembly work is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the sleeve holding function into the snap ring and annular groove structure, eliminating the need for separate fixing members and reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining optimization of each component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The new design simplifies the structure, reduces parts, enhances assembly efficiency, and ensures reliable operation by preventing foreign matter ingress and maintaining the sleeve's position, thereby improving functional reliability and enabling miniaturization.

Implementation Method 1

a filter member including an elastic part sandwiched between the one end of the sleeve and the annular receiving part of the passage member and exerting a biasing force in the direction of the axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a snap ring fitted in the annular groove for receiving the other end of the sleeve accommodated in the passage member and detachably receiving the spool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a filter member including an elastic part sandwiched between the one end of the sleeve and the annular receiving part of the passage member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12366181B2Fluid control valve unit and valve timing changing device

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 MIKUNI CORP

AI summary

A fluid control valve unit includes: a fluid control valve including a sleeve that defines an axis and a spool slidably disposed in the sleeve; a passage member including an inner peripheral surface to which the sleeve is fitted, passages, an annular receiving part facing one end of the sleeve, an opening adjacent to the annular receiving part, and an annular groove formed adjacent to the other end of the sleeve and recessed from the inner peripheral surface; a filter member including an elastic part sandwiched between the one end of the sleeve and the annular receiving part and exerting a biasing force in the axial direction; and a snap ring fitted in the annular groove for receiving the other end of the sleeve and detachably receiving the spool.