Winged Valve Stop Geometry for Stress-Free Bore Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve stops in fluid end assemblies suffer from stress risers, corrosion, frequent replacement needs, and reduced performance due to the forces exerted by high-pressure fluids.
Innovation Solution
A valve stop design featuring a central portion with three equally circumferentially spaced wings, each with a U-shaped channel to receive a retaining shoulder, providing a secure and stress-free fit within the bore of the fluid end assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve stops with wings are used in the bore, then the valve stop can be retained in position, but stress risers and cracks occur due to force concentration on the wings
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stop is divided into multiple radial segments or wings that distribute the fluid forces across multiple contact points with the bore wall, rather than concentrating forces on fewer points. This segmentation reduces stress risers and prevents crack propagation while maintaining positional retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stop design transitions from a simple radial wing structure to a more complex three-dimensional configuration where the wings are positioned at specific angles and depths within the bore. This dimensional adjustment optimizes force distribution and eliminates stress concentration points.
2Ease of operation
If valve stops are designed with radial wings to resist spring force, then the valve can be held in position, but the wings experience high stress and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the valve stop are designed with different properties: the wings are optimized for force distribution and retention, while the central portion is optimized for spring mounting and structural integrity. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its function without compromising overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stop design incorporates features that preemptively reduce stress concentrations before they can lead to failure. This includes rounded transitions, optimized wing geometries, and material selections that resist the high-stress environment, thereby extending service life before replacement is needed.
3Power
If high-pressure fluids exert forces on the valve stop, then the valve functions properly, but the forces create stress risers and reduce performance
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the harmful effect of high fluid forces into a beneficial distribution pattern. The radial wings are specifically configured to channel and distribute the fluid-induced forces evenly across the bore wall, transforming what would be concentrated stress risers into a uniform pressure distribution that enhances overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid end assembly has a body with at least one bore therein in which the bore has a retaining shoulder extending inwardly therefrom, a valve slidably movable in the bore, a spring having one end affixed to a surface of the valve and positioned in the inner diameter of the bore, and a valve stop having a surface bearing against the retaining shoulder. The spring as an opposite end affixed to a surface of the valve stop. The valve stop has a central portion with a plurality of wings radiating outwardly therefrom. An outer surface is formed at the outer periphery of the plurality of wings so as to receive the retaining shoulder therein.