Valve Slide Support Arms for Leak-Resistant Spring Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valves with compression springs experience increased wear and leaks due to transverse forces, leading to unreliable operation and potential fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A supporting element with radially deflectable arms provides axial and radial support to the valve slide, maintaining constant alignment and reducing wear by distributing forces through the housing perimeter wall, ensuring secure positioning and low susceptibility to leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used to preload the valve slide, then the valve slide is constantly preloaded in a switching position, but transverse forces push the valve slide to the side leading to leaks and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
A supporting element with supporting arms is introduced as an intermediary component between the compression spring and the valve slide. The supporting arms radially support the valve slide against transverse forces generated by the compression spring, preventing the valve slide from being pushed to the side while maintaining the preloading function
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element changes the force distribution parameters by providing radial support surfaces that counteract transverse forces. This modifies the force vector components acting on the valve slide, separating the axial preloading function from the radial positioning function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve slide is moved out of the basic position, then the valve can switch to another position, but the increased spring forces lead to the valve slide being pushed to the side transversally
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting arms act as intermediaries that maintain precise radial positioning of the valve slide during switching operations. They provide continuous radial support that prevents deviation from the intended switching path, ensuring positioning precision is maintained throughout the full range of motion
3Reliability
If the valve slide is surrounded by rubber-elastic sealing rings, then sealing is achieved, but the compression spring pushes the valve slide unevenly onto the sealing rings causing leaks and localized wear
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting arms serve as intermediary support structures that distribute the compression spring forces evenly across the valve slide. By providing radial support at multiple points, they prevent concentrated or uneven loading on the sealing rings, maintaining uniform contact pressure for reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element changes the force distribution parameters by introducing radial support forces that counterbalance the axial compression spring forces. This creates a more uniform stress distribution on the sealing rings, preventing localized overloading and improving sealing reliability
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 solution ensures low-wear, reliable operation by maintaining constant radial positioning of the valve slide, preventing uneven loading on sealing rings and reducing the risk of leaks, suitable for various valve types including multi-port valves.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring arranged in the housing interior in a rear interior end portion axially between the valve slide and the housing rear wall, by which the valve slide is preloaded in one of its possible switching positions
Implementation Method 2
the supporting arms with respect to the main axis can be deflected in a spring resilient manner in the radial direction independently of one another
Data Source
AI summary
A valve, having a valve housing, in which a housing interior is formed, in which a movable valve slide is located. The valve slide is impinged upon by a compression spring that is supported via a supporting element on the valve housing. The supporting element has a supporting wall, from which a plurality of supporting arms protrudes, which axially overlap the valve slide in each axial position. On the supporting arms guide surfaces are formed for linear guidance of the valve slide. The supporting arms are springily deflectable and in each case have a radial support surface, with which they are supported on the valve housing.