Pipe Coupling Valve Spring Geometry Against Deformation and Pull-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe coupling members with coil springs suffer from plastic deformation and dislodgement due to excessive forces from high-speed fluid flow, causing the enlarged-diameter portion to be pulled inward and disengage from the groove.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling member with a cylindrical coupling body, a valve element, and a coil spring featuring a fitting portion, a locking portion, and an expanding-contracting portion, where the fitting portion is secured in a spring fitting groove, and the locking portion supports the valve element, preventing deformation and dislodgement by distributing force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the coil spring is designed with an enlarged-diameter portion to be installed in a groove without splitting the coupling body, then the structure is simplified, but the coil spring may be plastically deformed or dislodged when excessive force acts on it
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is divided into three functional portions: a fitting portion (first portion) that engages with the groove, a locking portion (second portion) that prevents dislodgement, and an expanding-contracting portion (third portion) that provides the urging force. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the coil spring are given different local properties: the fitting portion has a diameter matching the groove for secure engagement, the locking portion has a larger diameter to prevent pull-in, and the expanding-contracting portion has intermediate dimensions for elastic deformation. This local differentiation ensures both simple installation and high reliability under load.
2Ease of operation
If the coil spring is compressed to accommodate high-speed fluid flow forces, then the valve element can be actuated, but the enlarged-diameter portion may be pulled inward and disengage from the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is designed with a diameter larger than the fitting portion to create a preliminary anti-action that prevents the fitting portion from being pulled inward during compression. This preemptive design feature counteracts the dislodgement force before it can cause failure, maintaining position stability while allowing valve actuation.
3Device complexity
If the coil spring uses a single uniform diameter design, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot effectively distribute force to prevent deformation and dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is segmented into three portions with different diameters: the fitting portion for groove engagement, the locking portion for preventing pull-in, and the expanding-contracting portion for elastic action. This segmentation enables effective force distribution across different functional zones, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and strength.
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 stabilizes the coil spring's attitude within the coupling body, prevents plastic deformation, and maintains the fitting portion's engagement with the groove, ensuring reliable operation under high forces without increasing fluid resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring formed by helically winding a wire, the coil spring being disposed between the coupling body and the valve element to urge the valve element toward the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling member is configured to prevent a coil spring from being plastically deformed or dislodged from a coupling body even when a force acts on a valve element. The pipe coupling member includes a coupling body having a fluid passage, a valve element displaceable in the fluid passage, and a coil spring configured to urge the valve element toward a closed position. The coil spring is formed by helically winding a wire and has a fitting portion fitted and secured in a spring fitting groove, a locking portion contiguous with the fitting portion and having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the fitting portion when fitted in the spring fitting groove, a valve support portion supporting the valve element, and an expanding-contracting portion extending between the locking portion and the valve support portion to expand and contract.