Valve Stem Assembly Using Integrated Collar and Resilient Locking Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assembly methods are difficult and time-consuming, requiring complex parts and machining processes, which complicates the assembly and increases the risk of damage under extreme fluid control conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a collar with resilient locking means that bends inward during assembly and expands into a locking groove to secure the stem assembly within the valve housing, reducing the number of parts and allowing for a single manufacturing process, and using materials like stainless steel for the stem and brass for the collar to enhance durability and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional collar and locking ring designs are used, then axial fixation is achieved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collar and locking ring into a single integrated collar component. The collar includes integrated locking elements (such as radial locking protrusions) that directly engage with locking grooves in the valve housing, eliminating the need for a separate locking ring. This merger reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable axial fixation of the stem assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed with self-locking features where the locking elements automatically engage with the housing grooves during assembly. The resilient nature of the locking elements allows them to deform during insertion and then spring back to lock the stem assembly in place, providing self-service locking without requiring additional fastening operations or separate locking components.
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for collar and locking mechanisms, then fixation reliability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and locking ring are merged into a single integrated collar component manufactured as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations for multiple parts, thereby increasing production efficiency and assembly speed while maintaining the fixation reliability through the integrated locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-formed as integral parts of the collar during collar manufacturing. This preliminary formation of locking features eliminates the need for separate locking ring manufacturing and subsequent assembly operations, streamlining both manufacturing and assembly processes while ensuring reliable fixation.
3Manufacturing precision
If collar is fixed before assembly, then positioning accuracy is improved, but assembly flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates resilient locking elements that can dynamically deform during the assembly process. These elements are flexible enough to allow the collar to be inserted into the valve housing and engage with locking grooves at the correct position, providing both positioning accuracy through precise groove engagement and assembly flexibility through the deformable locking mechanism.
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 method simplifies the assembly process, reduces part complexity, and ensures secure axial fixation, even under high loads, while maintaining proper valve function over time by utilizing resilient locking means and differing materials for the stem and collar.
Implementation Method 1
bending resilient locking means of the collar means inwards by forcing the stem assembly into a stem hole in a valve housing, wherein an inner diameter of the stem hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking means, and locking the axial position of the stem assembly in the valve housing by positioning the locking means at a locking groove in the stem hole to allow the resilient locking means to expand outwards into the locking groove
Implementation Method 2
positioning collar means on a valve stem so that collar friction surfaces of the collar means meshes with stem friction surfaces of the valve stem to substantially prevent mutual axial displacement between the collar means and the valve stem
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for assembling a valve (1). The method comprises the steps of • assembling a stem assembly (2) by positioning collar means (8) on a valve stem (4) so that collar friction surfaces (5) of the collar means (8) meshes with stem friction surfaces (6) of the valve stem (4) to substantially prevent mutual axial displacement between the collar means (8) and the valve stem (4), • bending resilient locking means (7) of the collar means (8) inwards by forcing the stem assembly (2) into a stem hole (9) in a valve housing (3), wherein a diameter (DH) of the stem hole (9) is smaller than the outer diameter (DL) of the locking means (7), and • locking the axial position of the stem assembly (2) in the valve housing (3) by positioning the locking means (7) at a locking groove (10) in the stem hole (9) to allow the resilient locking means (7) to expand outwards into the locking groove (10). A valve (1) for control of a fluid flow is also disclosed.