Wireform Clip Supply Valve Assembly for Tight-Space Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional supply valves are cumbersome and difficult to disassemble or replace due to their design and installation methods, often requiring excessive clearance and facing complications from rust build-up and limited user access, making them inefficient for maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A modular supply valve system comprising a top and bottom portion with a wireform clip that detachably couples them, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, with a wireform clip that positionally and rotationally locks the portions, reducing the need for extensive clearance and facilitating installation and repair within a smaller space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional supply valves are used with traditional threaded connections, then reliable connection is achieved, but the valves require excessive clearance and are difficult to disassemble or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The supply valve is divided into separate components: a valve body, a connection piece with external threads, and a wireform clip. The connection piece threads into the valve body, and the wireform clip secures the assembly to the supply line. This segmentation allows the valve to be disassembled into smaller parts for easier removal in confined spaces while maintaining a secure threaded connection.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional supply valves are installed in tight spaces, then space is saved, but access for maintenance and repair becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into removable components connected by the wireform clip. The connection piece can be detached from the valve body by removing the wireform clip, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service individual components without removing the entire valve assembly from the confined space.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireform clip provides a dynamic, reversible connection mechanism that allows the connection piece to be easily attached and detached from the valve body. This dynamic connection enables quick access for maintenance while maintaining secure installation during operation, even in tight spaces.
3Strength
If threaded connections are used to join supply valve components, then strong mechanical connection is achieved, but rust build-up prevents disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a threaded connection between the connection piece and valve body, plus a separate wireform clip mechanism. The wireform clip provides the primary retention force, allowing the threaded connection to be loosened and disconnected without the extreme force needed to break rusted threaded joints, while still achieving strong mechanical connection during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of supply valves according to the present invention may include a first and second supply valve, each of which is connectable to a terminal end of a water supply line so as to provide direct access to the water supply. The system may be disposed within a modular plumbing supply box, and the valves may be spaced from one another by a reduced separation, X1. Each supply valve of the system may further include a top portion and bottom portion that are interconnectable and which form a water-proof seal therebetween. The top portion may comprise ridges that cooperate with channels of the bottom portion when the two portions are interconnected to form passageways. The top and bottom portions may be positionally and rotationally locked to one another, for example, using a wireform clip and inserting legs of the wireform clip through the passageways.