20240011578. SNAP-FIT LEVER FOR A VALVE ASSEMBLY simplified abstract (WATTS REGULATOR CO.)

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SNAP-FIT LEVER FOR A VALVE ASSEMBLY

Organization Name

WATTS REGULATOR CO.

Inventor(s)

Philip S. Sweeting of Brooklyn NY (US)

Mahyar Esmaili of Wilmont NH (US)

Paul J. Lake of Waltham MA (US)

SNAP-FIT LEVER FOR A VALVE ASSEMBLY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240011578 titled 'SNAP-FIT LEVER FOR A VALVE ASSEMBLY

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a snap-fit lever designed to actuate a valve assembly. The lever has a handle portion and a seat portion, with the seat portion having an entry, a retention cavity, and a passage connecting the entry to the retention cavity. The passage guides a ball from the entry to the retention cavity. The lever also has deflectable fingers that form part of the retention cavity and the passage. These fingers can deflect to allow the ball to move from the passage into the retention cavity and capture the ball. The lever enables rotation of the handle portion about the valve stem's axis and also allows rotation about a perpendicular axis for moving the valve stem into an actuated position.

  • The snap-fit lever is designed to actuate a valve assembly.
  • It has a handle portion and a seat portion.
  • The seat portion has an entry, a retention cavity, and a passage.
  • The passage guides a ball from the entry to the retention cavity.
  • Deflectable fingers on the seat portion form part of the retention cavity and the passage.
  • The fingers can deflect to capture the ball in the retention cavity.
  • The lever allows rotation of the handle portion about the valve stem's axis.
  • It also allows rotation about a perpendicular axis for actuating the valve stem.

Potential Applications

  • This snap-fit lever can be used in various valve assemblies, such as those in plumbing systems, industrial machinery, or automotive applications.
  • It can be applied in systems that require precise control over fluid flow or pressure regulation.

Problems Solved

  • The snap-fit lever provides a secure and reliable mechanism for actuating a valve assembly.
  • It ensures proper retention and capture of the ball, preventing unintended movement or failure of the valve.
  • The lever's design allows for easy and efficient rotation of the valve stem, enabling smooth operation of the valve assembly.

Benefits

  • The snap-fit lever simplifies the actuation process of a valve assembly, reducing the effort required for manual operation.
  • It provides a robust and durable solution, ensuring long-lasting performance of the valve assembly.
  • The lever's design allows for flexibility in positioning and orientation, accommodating different valve assembly configurations.


Original Abstract Submitted

a snap-fit lever for actuation of a valve assembly has an elongated valve stem with a ball. the snap-fit lever has a handle portion and a seat portion coupled to the handle portion. the seat portion defines an entry, a retention cavity, and a passage from the entry to the retention cavity. the passage guides the ball from the entry to the retention cavity. the snap-fit lever has deflectable fingers protruding from the seat portion to form part of the retention cavity and the passage. the deflectable fingers deflect to allow the ball to move from the passage into the retention cavity and capture the ball. the deflectable fingers enable rotation of the handle portion about a first axis of the elongated valve stem and allow rotation of the handle portion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis for moving the elongated valve stem into an actuated position.