Variable Pitch Check Valve Spring for Compact Liquid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Check valves used in liquid supply apparatuses for high viscosity liquids require frequent maintenance due to creep deformation of fluorocarbon resin springs, leading to inconsistent bias force and increased size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design incorporating an elastic member supported by radially extending holding surfaces, which applies an elastic force to the valve element, allowing for improved bias force without increasing the longitudinal dimension, thus reducing the size of the liquid supply apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resin coil spring is made longer to increase deflection amount, then the spring force consistency is improved, but the longitudinal dimension of the check valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from a linear increase in length to a geometric progression in pitch along the spring axis. The variable pitch design (increasing from fixed end to free end) provides enhanced deflection capability within a compact longitudinal space, maintaining spring force consistency without increasing the check valve's overall length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple spring parameters simultaneously: wire diameter (0.5-1.5mm), mean diameter (3-8mm), and pitch progression ratio (1.05-1.15). These parameter changes enable the spring to achieve sufficient deflection and force consistency within a compact design, avoiding longitudinal dimension increase
2Volume of moving object
If the check valve size is reduced, then the liquid supply apparatus size is reduced, but the spring deflection amount is limited requiring a longer spring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using variable pitch progression along the spring length. This geometric progression allows the spring to maximize its deflection capability within the available longitudinal space, achieving sufficient travel for compact check valve designs without requiring excessive spring length
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 elastic member ensures consistent valve operation and reduces the size of the check valve and liquid supply apparatus, minimizing maintenance needs and maintaining accurate liquid flow control.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which applies an elastic force acting in a direction toward the valve hole to the valve element
Implementation Method 2
when pump operation stops, a valve element is moved downward by its own weight, comes in contact with a valve seat, and closes a valve hole
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve which allows liquid to flow in one direction while preventing liquid from flowing in a direction reverse to said one direction, the check valve comprising: an inflow port allowing liquid to flow therein; an outflow port allowing liquid to flow out thereof; a valve seat provided between the inflow port and the outflow port, the valve seat having a valve hole through which the inflow port communicates with the outflow port; a valve chamber provided between the valve seat and the outflow port; a valve element disposed in the valve chamber, the valve element opening and closing the valve hole; a plurality of holding surfaces located radially outside the valve element, the holding surfaces extending in an axial direction; and an elastic member supported on the holding surfaces and set in the valve chamber, the elastic member applying an elastic force directed toward the valve hole to the valve element.