Valve Stem Ball-Pin Coupling for Compact High-Load Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve connection mechanisms, such as parallel pins and screws, are prone to breakage under downsizing or high load conditions, and require complex assembly and maintenance, leading to increased costs and labor.
Innovation Solution
A valve connection mechanism using a stem pin and ball system, where the ball is urged by a spring and held between a groove and the stem pin, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for tools, reducing the risk of breakage and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a parallel pin is used to couple the upper valve rod and the lower valve rod, then the valve can be downsized, but the parallel pin is possibly broken under large load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from a parallel pin to a screw-type connection with a connection hole formed in the lower valve rod. This parameter change allows the coupling to better withstand large loads while maintaining compact valve dimensions, resolving the contradiction between downsizing and coupling strength.
2Strength
If screws are used to couple the piston rod and stem, then the coupling can handle large loads, but the screw diameter has to be reduced for downsizing, leading to possible breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the screw connection parameters by forming a connection hole in the lower valve rod and using a screw that fits into this hole. This parameter optimization allows for stronger coupling without increasing valve size, as the screw can be properly engaged with adequate diameter while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
3Reliability
If screws are used for coupling, then the connection can be strong, but the screws may loosen during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a screw connection that utilizes the self-locking property of threaded fasteners. The friction between the screw threads and the connection hole walls prevents loosening during operation, providing a self-service mechanism that maintains connection stability without requiring additional anti-loosening components or complex locking mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If a parallel pin is used for coupling, then the assembly is simple, but the pin is thin and prone to breakage under large load or downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from a parallel pin connection to a screw connection with a formed connection hole. This parameter change maintains assembly simplicity through a single fastening operation while dramatically improving coupling strength, as the screw can distribute loads across threaded engagement rather than relying on a thin pin's shear strength.
5Volume of moving object
If the male screw diameter is reduced for downsizing, then the valve can be smaller, but the screw is possibly broken under large load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the screw connection by forming a dedicated connection hole in the lower valve rod. This allows for proper screw diameter selection that balances valve downsizing with adequate load-bearing capacity. The connection hole geometry can be optimized to maximize screw engagement length and distribution of stresses, enabling smaller valve dimensions without compromising screw 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 valve connection mechanism effectively handles downsizing and high loads with reduced risk of breakage, simplifies assembly and maintenance, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for tool locking and frequent component replacement.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member that urges the stem pin accommodated in the first recess to the other side
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a valve that is easily assembled and has a low possibility of breakage of a coupled section even when the valve has to be downsized or subjected to a large load. A valve has a valve unit and a drive unit, is configured to include: a first recess that is a recess formed in either one of a second stem or a first stem and is formed with a groove at a predetermined position on an inner circumferential surface of the recess; a second recess formed in another one thereof; a stem pin accommodated in both of the recesses; an urging member that is accommodated in the first recess and urges the stem pin to the other side; a sidewall through-hole that penetrates a sidewall of the second recess horizontally; and a ball that enters the sidewall through-hole.