Valve Actuator Fittings

Abstract

The fluid injection system includes a valve device and a valve actuator. The valve device has a valve member and a valve member coupling. The valve member has an open position that allows fluid to pass therethrough and a closed position that prevents fluid from passing therethrough. The valve member coupling is configured to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions when actuated. The valve actuator has a valve actuation coupling and a drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is coupled to the valve member coupling and the drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is movable independently of the drive mechanism to couple the valve actuation coupling to the valve member coupling, and the valve actuation coupling is movable together with the drive mechanism to actuate the valve member coupling to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 999,154, filed August 21, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical field] The present disclosure relates generally to valve devices, valve actuators, and related systems and methods, certain such embodiments of which are described herein in the context of a medical fluid injection system as one example of one type of application. [Background technology]

[0003] Valves may be used to control the flow of fluids in a variety of contexts, including medical contexts. For example, certain medical procedures may include introducing a fluid into a patient. To introduce the fluid into the patient, various medical devices, such as fluid injection systems, may be employed. Injection systems may be used for a variety of medical applications, including introducing a fluid into a patient to facilitate medical diagnostic and / or interventional procedures. In some such procedures, the fluid may assist in the collection of information, such as image data, at a region of interest within the patient. This collected information may be used, for example, to ascertain characteristics relevant to a diagnostic procedure and / or to guide the placement of one or more medical devices during an interventional procedure.

[0004] In connection with a particular procedure, such medical devices can selectively start and stop the infusion of fluid into a patient, at least in part, by opening and closing fluid pathways leading to the patient, by actuating one or more valves to selectively open or close one or more fluid pathways leading to the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Disclosed herein are various embodiments relating generally to valve devices, valve actuators, and related systems and methods. Disclosed herein are particularly embodiments of valve actuators configured to couple to a valve device. When coupled, the valve actuators can actuate the valve device to open or close a fluid passage in the valve device.

[0006] In some applications, a valve device may be attached to a component that is positioned within a system during setup, such that variation in the valve device's exact position may occur from setup to setup. In the case of a fluid injection system, the valve device may be attached to a fluid reservoir. In a fluid injection system setup, a portion of the fluid reservoir may be positioned to contact a drive ram of the fluid injection system, and the exact position of the valve device remains dependent on the placement of the fluid reservoir in that particular instance. This variation in the exact position of the valve device from setup to setup may be due, at least in part, to unavoidable manufacturing tolerances between the valve device, the valve actuator, and / or the fluid reservoir. Such variation may lead to significant misalignment between the valve device and the valve actuator, making proper connection of these components difficult. Without the ability to compensate for such variation, the significant misalignment may place stress on one or more connected components, potentially leading to connection and / or component failure.

[0007] Various valve actuation device embodiments can be useful, for example, in facilitating alignment between a valve actuator and a valve device so that the valve actuator can be properly coupled to the valve device. The embodiments disclosed herein can provide a valve actuation device that can accommodate varying positions of the valve device, thereby compensating for misalignment with the valve device. In particular, valve actuation device embodiments can include a valve actuation joint that is movable to align the valve actuation joint with a valve member joint of the valve device to facilitate proper coupling between the valve actuation joint and the valve member joint. In particular, the ability of the valve actuation device to compensate for misalignment with the valve device can reduce stress on one or both of the valve device and the valve actuation device, thereby reducing the risk of failure of connections and / or components and increasing the useful life of these components.

[0008] One embodiment includes a fluid injection system. The fluid injection system includes a valve device and a valve actuation device. The valve device includes a valve member and a valve member coupling. The valve member defines a fluid passageway. The valve member has an open position that allows fluid to pass through the valve device via the fluid passageway and a closed position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve device via the fluid passageway. The valve member coupling is configured to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions when actuated. The valve actuation device includes a valve actuation coupling and a drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is coupled to the valve member coupling and the drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is movable independently from the drive mechanism to couple the valve actuation coupling to the valve member coupling, and the valve actuation coupling is movable together with the drive mechanism to actuate the valve member coupling to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the fluid injection system, the valve actuation joint is movable independently of the drive mechanism in a direction that allows the valve actuation joint to be aligned with the valve member joint. As one such example, the drive mechanism is configured to rotate about the drive shaft, and the valve actuation joint may be movable independently of the drive mechanism in a direction away from the drive shaft. In this example, the valve member joint may be at a position offset from the drive shaft, and the valve actuation joint may be movable independently of the drive mechanism to a position offset from the drive shaft.

[0010] Another embodiment includes a valve actuation device. The valve actuation device includes a drive mechanism and a valve actuation joint. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate about a drive shaft. The valve actuation joint is coupled to the drive mechanism. The valve actuation joint is movable independently of the drive mechanism away from the drive shaft to couple the valve actuation joint to a valve member joint. And, the valve actuation joint is movable with the drive mechanism to actuate the valve member joint to move the valve member between an open position and a closed position.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the valve actuation device, the valve actuation device includes a limiting plate defining an aperture therethrough. The aperture has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension. A valve actuation coupling extends through the aperture in the limiting plate. The valve actuation coupling is movable along the first dimension away from the drive shaft independently of the drive mechanism, and the second dimension is sized to limit movement of the valve actuation coupling along the second dimension away from the drive shaft independent of the drive mechanism to less than movement along the first dimension.

[0012] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings.

[0013] [Brief description of the drawing] The following drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are intended to be used in conjunction with the description in the following specification. Embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid injection system. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid reservoir and valve device that may be used, for example, in a fluid injection system. [Figure 3A-3C] 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid reservoir and valve device taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 3A shows the valve member of the valve device in a closed position. FIG. 3B shows the valve member of the valve device in a first open position. FIG. 3C shows the valve member of the valve device in a second open position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fluid reservoir and valve device of FIGS. 3A-3C, with the valve device coupled to one embodiment of a valve actuator. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve device coupled to the valve actuator taken along line BB in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the valve actuation device of FIGS. 4 and 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for coupling a valve actuator to a valve device and actuating the valve device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical examples for implementing embodiments of the present invention. Examples of construction, materials, and / or dimensions are provided for selected elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are various suitable alternatives to many of the examples mentioned.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid injection system 100. In operation, the fluid injection system 100 can inject a volume of fluid into a patient, for example, via a catheter into the patient's blood vessels. The fluid injected by the fluid injection system 100 can be, for example, a contrast fluid, a non-contrast fluid (e.g., saline solution), or a combination thereof. By injecting a volume of fluid into a patient, the fluid injection system 100 can facilitate various medical diagnostic and / or interventional procedures, including the collection of image data representative of an anatomical region of interest. Such procedures can include, by way of example, optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, computed tomography (CT) images, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography procedures, and interventional device procedures / placements.

[0017] The illustrated fluid injection system 100 includes a drive assembly housing 102 and a sleeve 104. The sleeve 104 can be attached to the drive assembly housing 102. For example, the drive assembly housing 102 can include an opening, and the sleeve 104 can be secured to the drive assembly housing 102 at or near such opening. The sleeve 104 can extend from the drive assembly housing 102 and be configured to receive and secure a fluid reservoir 106 therein. While the example illustrated in FIG. 1 shows one fluid reservoir 106, other fluid injection system embodiments can include two (or more) fluid reservoirs 106 and a corresponding number of sleeves 104. The fluid reservoir 106 can define an internal reservoir volume that includes a plunger 108. At least a portion of the drive assembly can be housed within the drive assembly housing 102.

[0018] The drive assembly can be configured to pressurize the fluid within the internal reservoir volume. For example, the drive assembly can be coupled to the plunger 108, such as through an opening in the drive assembly housing 102, via a drive ram, which can drive the plunger 108 within the internal reservoir volume of the fluid reservoir 106. As the plunger 108 is driven forward within the fluid reservoir 106 (e.g., toward the outlet of the fluid reservoir 106), the fluid within the internal reservoir volume is pressurized and can be output from the fluid reservoir 106 along a fluid line 109 leading to a catheter 126 inserted into a patient's blood vessel to inject the fluid into the vasculature. In some applications of the fluid injection system 100, the output fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be pressurized in the range of 1000 to 1500 psi (e.g., 1200 psi). In embodiments including two (or more) fluid reservoirs 106, a corresponding number of drive assemblies can be housed within the drive assembly housing 102 for pressurizing the fluid within each fluid reservoir.

[0019] The illustrated embodiment of fluid injection system 100 includes several features that may be useful for pressurizing and delivering fluid during operation. For example, fluid injection system 100 may include a control panel 110. The control panel 110 may provide a user interface for various aspects of operation. For example, the control panel 110 may be used by an operator to set various parameters and / or protocols to be used for a given fluid injection procedure. The control panel 110 may also be used to initialize the fluid injection system 100 (e.g., to prepare a patient for fluid injection) or to initiate certain features or sequences of operation. In some cases, as shown here, a hand controller 113 may be coupled to the control panel 110 and used by an operator to remotely input injection-related commands into the fluid injection system 100. The control panel 110 may also provide status information, including information related to past or currently ongoing injection procedures and any appropriate warnings. The control panel 110 may include a processing engine having one or more processors to control the operation of the fluid injection system 100. Such a processor may also communicate with and / or control other components, such as the drive assembly, the peristaltic pump 112 (if present), and / or any sensors and detectors (e.g., air detection sensor 128 and / or hemodynamic pressure transducers) coupled to the fluid injection system 100.

[0020] Fluid injection system 100 may also include one or more components useful for supplying fluids used in the injection procedure. In applications in which two fluids are injected into a patient, fluid supply 114 and fluid supply 118 may be fluidly coupled to fluid injector 100. By way of example, fluid supply 114 may be a contrast fluid supply, and fluid supply 118 may be a irrigation fluid (e.g., saline) supply. As shown here, fluid injection system 100 may include holder 116 for holding fluid supply 114, and fluid injection system 100 may include holder 120 for holding fluid supply 118. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid (e.g., contrast fluid) from fluid supply 114 may be supplied to fluid reservoir 106 for use during the injection procedure. For example, when plunger 108 is retracted (e.g., moved toward drive assembly housing 102 and away from the outlet of fluid reservoir 106) to create a negative pressure within fluid reservoir 106, fluid from fluid supply 114 can be drawn into fluid reservoir 106, thereby refilling the internal reservoir volume. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid injection system 100 includes a peristaltic pump 112 for delivering fluid from fluid supply 118 to the patient. Often, peristaltic pump 112 can be used to deliver a non-contrast irrigation fluid, such as saline solution, at a lower pressure than the pressure at which the drive assembly delivers the contrast fluid from reservoir 106. However, as mentioned above, in other embodiments, fluid injector 100 can include a second fluid reservoir 106 and use a corresponding drive assembly housed within drive assembly housing 102 to pressurize and deliver the non-contrast fluid from fluid supply 118. In some such embodiments, the second fluid reservoir 106 and corresponding drive assembly may be present in place of the peristaltic pump 112 .

[0021] A manifold connector 124 may be included to selectively place one of the fluid reservoir 106 and the peristaltic pump 112 (or the second fluid reservoir 106 in some embodiments) in communication with the patient. The manifold connector 124 can thus selectively place fluid from the fluid supply 114 and fluid from the fluid supply 118 in communication with the patient. For example, in response to a change in pressure, the manifold connector 124 can switch between communicating fluid to the patient from one of the fluid reservoir 106 and the fluid supply 118 to the other of the peristaltic pump 112 (or the second fluid reservoir 106 in some embodiments) and the fluid supply 118. A patient interface connector may also be included, for example in the fluid line 109, to selectively allow fluid, such as fluid from the manifold connector 124, to pass therethrough, such as to a patient interface component (e.g., a catheter such as an infusion catheter). The patient interface connector may include a valve configured to selectively allow fluid to be communicated through the patient interface connector.

[0022] As mentioned above, one or more sensors may be coupled to the fluid infusion system 100 to provide information related to the infusion. In the illustrated embodiment, an air detection sensor 128 and a hemodynamic pressure transducer are coupled to the fluid infusion system 100. The air detection sensor 128 may be configured to detect the presence of air (e.g., one or more air bubbles) in one or more components. As shown here, the air detection sensor 128 may be configured to detect the presence of air in the fluid line 109 at a location between the outlet of the manifold connector 124 and the patient. For example, the fluid line 109 may have an air detection interface at which the air detection sensor 128 can detect the presence of air in the fluid line 109. When such air is detected, the air detection sensor 128 may output a signal in the fluid infusion system 100, which may take corresponding action, such as stopping the infusion and / or providing a warning to the user. The hemodynamic pressure transducer may be configured to measure the pressure in the fluid line 109, for example. When the manifold connector 124 is open so that the hemodynamic pressure transducer is in fluid communication with the patient, the hemodynamic pressure transducer can output a signal corresponding to the pressure inside the patient.

[0023] Preparing a fluid injection system for use can require many steps. Because some components used in fluid injection are routinely replaced (e.g., after one use or a predetermined number of uses), preparing a fluid injection system for use can include frequently replacing and properly connecting new components. The connection of components must often be precise to reduce stress on the connected components and prevent component failure and / or fluid leakage. Therefore, replacing and properly connecting components in a fluid injection system can be time-consuming and require careful attention to detail. However, certain fluid injection system applications can be time-sensitive, and the attention to detail required to properly prepare a fluid injection system for such applications can be difficult to achieve in real time. This is especially true if two components cannot be aligned precisely in the same way for each fluid injection system configuration.

[0024] The present disclosure describes embodiments that can facilitate alignment between coupled components. This can be useful in applications where the exact position of a connection can vary from connection to connection, such as from one configuration of a fluid injection system to another. As described further below, embodiments of valve actuators disclosed herein can be useful, for example, in facilitating alignment between a valve actuator and a valve device so that the valve actuator can be properly coupled to the valve device. Embodiments disclosed herein can provide a valve actuator that can accommodate variations in the position of the valve device, thereby compensating for misalignment with the valve device. The ability of the valve actuator to compensate for misalignment with the valve device can reduce stress on one or both of the valve device and the valve actuator, thereby reducing the risk of failure of the connection and / or components and increasing the useful life of these components.

[0025] Figures 2 and 3A-3C illustrate one embodiment of a fluid reservoir 206 and one embodiment of a valve device 210. The fluid reservoir 206 and the valve device 210 may be used in a fluid injection system, such as the above-referenced fluid injection system 100. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the fluid reservoir 206 coupled to the valve device 210. Figures 3A-3C illustrate cross-sectional views of the fluid reservoir 206 and the valve device 210 taken along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 3A illustrates the valve member 212 of the valve device 210 in a closed position. Figure 3B illustrates the valve member 212 of the valve device 210 in a first open position. Figure 3C illustrates the valve member 212 of the valve device 210 in a second open position.

[0026] The fluid reservoir 206 defines an internal reservoir volume 207 that contains the plunger 108. The fluid reservoir 206 can be disposed in a fluid injection system such that the plunger 108 is coupled to a drive assembly (e.g., a drive ram) of the fluid injection system. The drive assembly can be configured to move the plunger 108 within the internal reservoir volume 207, such as between a retracted position 208 and an extended position 209. Moving the plunger 108 from the retracted position 208 to the extended position 209 can act to pressurize fluid within the internal reservoir volume 207. And, moving the plunger 108 from the extended position 209 to the retracted position 208 can act to draw fluid into the internal reservoir volume 207.

[0027] As shown here, a fluid reservoir 206 can be fluidly coupled to a valve device 210. The illustrated fluid reservoir 206 includes an inlet port 214 and an outlet port 216. Each of the inlet port 214 and the outlet port 216 can be in fluid communication with the internal reservoir volume 207. The illustrated valve device 210 includes a valve member 212 and a first port 218, a second port 220, a third port 222, and a fourth port 224. The first port 218 can be in fluid communication with the inlet port 214, and the second port 220 can be in fluid communication with the outlet port 216.

[0028] Valve member 212 of valve device 210 can be configured to selectively allow fluid to flow through and prevent fluid from flowing through valve device 210. Valve member 212 defines a fluid passageway 213. In the illustrated embodiment, valve member 212 can be configured to selectively allow fluid to flow through and prevent fluid from flowing through valve device 210 by selectively positioning fluid passageway 213 in and out of fluid communication with two or more of ports 218, 220, 222, 224.

[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates a closed position of valve member 212. The closed position of valve member 212 can prevent fluid from passing through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213. In the closed position shown in FIG. 3A, fluid passageway 213 is not in fluid communication with any of ports 218, 220, 222, and 224. Rather, in the closed position of FIG. 3A, each of ports 218, 220, 222, and 224 interfaces with a solid surface of valve member 212 that acts to prevent fluid from flowing past valve member 212. In some applications, preventing fluid from passing through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213 in the closed position can mean that fluid is substantially prevented from passing through fluid passageway 213, although there may be slight fluid leakage through fluid passageway 213 depending on certain manufacturing tolerances in valve member 212.

[0030] FIG. 3B shows the open position of valve member 212. Valve member 212 can be transitioned between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 3A, and an open position, as shown in FIG. 3B, by moving valve member 212 to adjust the position of fluid passageway 213. The open position of valve member 212 can allow fluid to pass through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213. In the open position, as shown in FIG. 3B, fluid passageway 213 is in fluid communication with each of second port 220 and fourth port 224. The open position of FIG. 3B thus allows fluid from outlet port 216 of fluid reservoir 206 to pass through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213. In this open position, fluid can flow from outlet port 216, through fluid passageway 213, to second port 220, and exit valve device 210 at fourth port 224. At the same time, the open position of FIG. 3B can prevent fluid from passing from inlet port 214 of fluid reservoir 206 through fluid passageway 213 and valve device 210 .

[0031] FIG. 3C illustrates a second open position of valve member 212. Valve member 212 can be transitioned between a closed position as shown in FIG. 3A, a first open position as shown in FIG. 3B, and a second open position as shown in FIG. 3C by moving valve member 212 to adjust the position of fluid passageway 213. Like the first open position as shown in FIG. 3B, the second open position of valve member 212 as shown in FIG. 3C can allow fluid to pass through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213. In the second open position as shown in FIG. 3C, fluid passageway 213 is in fluid communication with each of first port 218 and third port 222. The second open position of FIG. 3C thus allows fluid from inlet port 214 of fluid reservoir 206 to pass through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213. In this second open position, fluid can flow from third port 222, through fluid passageway 213, to first port 218, and exit valve device 210 into inlet port 214. At the same time, the second open position of Figure 3C can prevent fluid from passing from outlet port 216 of fluid reservoir 206 through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213. Thus, the second open position as shown in Figure 3C can be configured to allow fluid to enter fluid reservoir 206 via fluid passageway 213, while the first open position as shown in Figure 3B can be configured to allow fluid to exit fluid reservoir 206 via fluid passageway 213.

[0032] The valve device 210 includes a valve member coupling 226 configured, when actuated, to transition the valve member 212 between an open position (e.g., first and second open positions) and a closed position. The valve member coupling 226 may be coupled to the valve member 212 such that a force applied at the valve member coupling 226 is transmitted to the valve member 212, moving the valve member 212 between the open and closed positions. For example, the valve member 212 may be in a closed position as shown in FIG. 3A when the fluid reservoir 206 is secured in place in the fluid injection system. Then, when the fluid reservoir 206 is filled with fluid, the valve member coupling 226 may be actuated to transition the valve member 212 from the closed position to an open position, such as the second open position shown in FIG. 3C, so that fluid can be drawn into the fluid reservoir 206 (e.g., by retracting the plunger 108) and through the valve device 210 via the fluid passageway 213. Then, when fluid is pressurized and output from fluid reservoir 206, valve member coupling 226 can be actuated to transition valve member 212 from one open position (e.g., the fill-open position shown in FIG. 3C) to another open position, such as the first open position shown in FIG. 3B, so that fluid can be output from fluid reservoir 206 (e.g., by advancing plunger 108 toward outlet port 216) through valve device 210 via fluid passageway 213. When fluid reservoir 206 is not in use, valve member coupling 226 can be actuated to transition valve member 212 from the open position to a closed position, so that fluid can be prevented from exiting fluid reservoir 206, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0033] The valve member fitting 226 can define a structure suitable for coupling to another component, such as a valve actuation fitting, receiving an actuation force from the component, and transmitting the actuation force to the valve member 212. The illustrated embodiment of the valve member fitting 226 includes a first sidewall 227, a second sidewall 228, and a back wall 229. The second sidewall 228 is opposite the first sidewall 227, and the back wall 229 extends between the first sidewall 227 and the second sidewall 228. The first sidewall 227, the second sidewall 228, and the back wall 229 can together define a fitting 230. The fitting 230 can be configured to be complementary to and coupled with another component. For example, the fitting 230 can be configured to be complementary to and coupled with a valve actuation fitting. Thus, in this example, the valve actuation coupling may be received between the first side wall 227 and the second side wall 228 of the valve member coupling 226 .

[0034] Figures 4 and 5 show the valve apparatus 210 coupled to one embodiment of the valve actuator 235. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the fluid reservoir 206 and valve apparatus 210 of Figures 2 and 3A-3C, with the valve apparatus 210 coupled to the valve actuator 235. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve apparatus 210 coupled to the valve actuator 235, taken along line BB in Figure 4. The valve actuator 235 can be used to actuate the valve apparatus 210, thereby transitioning the valve member 212 between an open position (e.g., first and second open positions) and a closed position.

[0035] 4, a fluid reservoir 206 with an attached valve device 210 may be secured with a sleeve 232 of a fluid injection system. Specifically, the fluid reservoir 206 is generally secured with the sleeve 232 to couple a plunger within the fluid reservoir 206 to a drive ram of a drive assembly of the fluid injection system. Due to manufacturing tolerances of the fluid reservoir 206 and the attached valve device 210, the exact position of the valve device 210 and associated valve member coupling 226 after coupling the plunger to the drive arm may vary each time the fluid reservoir is secured with the sleeve 232. To account for such variations in the position of the valve device 210 and associated valve member coupling 226, the valve actuator 235 may be configured to move in a direction that allows the valve actuator 235 to couple to the valve device 210 at a plurality of different valve device 210 positions. In this way, the valve actuator 235 can accommodate the varying position of the valve device 210 and thereby compensate for any misalignment with the valve device 210 once the fluid reservoir 206 is fixed in place.

[0036] The valve actuation device 235 may include a valve actuation coupling 236. The valve actuation coupling 236 is configured to couple to the valve device 210. Specifically, the valve actuation coupling 236 may be coupled to the valve member coupling 226. As such, the valve actuation coupling 236 forms a complementary fitting to the fitting 230 formed by the valve member coupling 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuation coupling 236 includes an actuation arm 237 coupled to the valve member coupling 226. Specifically, the actuation arm 237 may be received within the fitting 230 formed between the first side wall 227 and the second side wall 228 of the valve member coupling 226. In other embodiments, the configuration may be reversed from that shown here, such that the fitting 230 of the valve member coupling 226 may be received within the actuation arm 237 defining a receptacle formed by two side walls and a back wall.

[0037] The valve actuation device 235 may also include a drive mechanism 240. The drive mechanism 240 may be coupled to the valve actuation coupling 236, such that the drive mechanism 240 can provide power to the valve actuation coupling 236, thereby actuating the valve member coupling 226. As such, the valve actuation coupling 236 may be movable with the drive mechanism 240 to actuate the valve member coupling 226 and transition the valve member 212 between the open and closed positions. For example, at least a portion of the drive mechanism 240 may be configured to rotate about the drive shaft 241, thereby providing rotational power to the valve actuation coupling 236, thereby actuating the valve member coupling 226.

[0038] A power source 242 may be included in the fluid injection system to provide power to actuate the valve member coupling 226. The power source 242 may be coupled to the drive mechanism 240. As such, the power source 242 may be configured to provide power to drive (e.g., rotationally drive) the drive mechanism 240 and actuate the valve member coupling 226 to transition the valve member 212 between the open and closed positions. The power source 242 may take the form of a variety of suitable power sources, including various types of motors having a size and power generating capacity suitable for inclusion within a fluid injection system.

[0039] To control the power source 242, the fluid injection system may also include a controller. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the transition of the valve member 212 between the open and closed positions by controlling the power that the power source 242 provides to the drive mechanism 240. As an example, the controller may be the control panel 110 shown and described with reference to FIG. 1 . The controller may include one or more processors for executing computer-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory storage medium that enable the controller to receive inputs and, in response, generate and send output commands to turn the power source 242 on / off and / or adjust the amount of power provided to the drive mechanism 240. For example, the controller may receive a valve open command as an input, such as as a result of a user entering a valve open request on the control panel 110. In response, the controller may generate and send an output command to the power source 242 to cause the power source 242 to provide a sufficient amount of power to the drive mechanism 240 to transition the valve member 212 from a closed position to an open position, or from one open position to another open position. In some embodiments, the controller may receive input commands in the form of data from one or more other injection system components, such as a drive assembly. In response to the data from the one or more other injection system components being at a predetermined threshold (e.g., the drive assembly being at a predetermined position or period), the controller may generate and send an output command to the power source 242 to cause the power source 242 to provide a sufficient amount of power to the drive mechanism 240 to transition the valve member 212 from a closed position to an open position, or from one open position to another open position.

[0040] In particular, as mentioned above, to accommodate varying positions of the valve arrangement 210 and associated valve member coupling 226, the valve actuator 235 may be configured to move as needed to couple to the valve arrangement 210 at a number of different valve arrangement 210 positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuation coupling 236 of the valve actuator 235 is movable relative to the valve member coupling 226 independently of the drive mechanism 240 to couple the valve actuation coupling 236 to the valve member coupling 226. In this manner, the valve actuation coupling 236 is movable independently of the drive mechanism 240 to couple to the valve member coupling 226, and is movable with the drive mechanism 240 to actuate the valve member coupling 226 to transition the valve member 212 between the open and closed positions.

[0041] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuation joint 236 is movable independently of the drive mechanism 240 in a direction that aligns the valve actuation joint 236 with the valve member joint 226. In many fluid injection system applications, misalignment between the valve member joint 226 and the valve actuation joint 236 can occur along the direction 244 shown in FIG. 5 . Thus, in the example described herein, the valve actuation joint 236 is movable independently of the drive mechanism 240 in the direction 244 to better align the valve member joint 226 and the valve actuation joint 236 along the direction 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuation joint 236 is movable independently of the drive mechanism 240 in the direction 244 away from the drive shaft 241. Thus, the valve member joint 226 can be at a position offset from the drive shaft 241, and the valve actuation joint 236 can be movable independently of the drive mechanism 240 to its position offset from the drive shaft 241. Such movement of the valve actuation joint 236 may be relative to the valve member joint 226. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , the valve actuation joint 236 may be movable relative to the first side wall 227 and the second side wall 228 independently of the drive mechanism 240. This movement of the valve actuation joint 236 may result in a larger surface area of ​​the actuation arm 237 being positioned within the fixture 230 defined by the valve member joint 226.

[0042] In some embodiments, it may be useful to constrain movement of the valve actuation joint 236 in one or more directions. That is, to better align the valve member joint 226 and the valve actuation joint 236, it may be useful to constrain movement of the valve actuation joint 236 in one or more directions other than the direction in which the valve actuation joint 236 is movable independently of the actuation mechanism 240 (e.g., direction 244).

[0043] To constrain movement of the valve actuation joint 236 in one or more directions, the illustrated embodiment of the valve actuation device 235 includes a limiting plate 246. The limiting plate 246 may define an opening 247 extending therethrough. As shown in FIG. 5 , the valve actuation joint 236 may extend through the opening 247 in the limiting plate 246. The opening 247 may have a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension. In the illustrated embodiment, the first dimension extends parallel to the direction 244, and the second dimension extends perpendicular to the direction 244. As such, the valve actuation joint 236 may be movable along the first dimension independently from the actuation mechanism 240. The second dimension may be sized to limit movement of the valve actuation joint 236 along the second dimension, independent of the actuation mechanism 240, to less than movement along the first dimension. In one example, the second dimension can be sized to substantially prohibit movement of the valve actuation joint 236 independent of the actuation mechanism 240 along the second dimension. As such, this embodiment of the limiting plate 246 can be configured to allow movement of the valve actuation joint 236 independent of the actuation mechanism 240 in a direction (e.g., direction 244) that aligns and couples with the valve member joint 226, but to constrain the valve actuation joint 236 to less movement in one or more other directions. Conversely, in other embodiments where the valve actuation joint 236 can be movable independent of the actuation mechanism 240 along the second dimension, the first dimension can be sized to limit movement of the valve actuation joint 236 independent of the actuation mechanism 240 along the first dimension to less than movement along the second dimension. In such an example, the first dimension can be sized to substantially prohibit movement of the valve actuation joint 236 independent of the actuation mechanism 240 along the first dimension. In this manner, this alternative embodiment of the limiting plate 246 may be configured to permit movement of the valve actuation joint 236 independent of the drive mechanism 240 in a direction that aligns with and couples with the valve member joint 226 (e.g., perpendicular to direction 244), but to constrain the valve actuation joint 236 to less movement in one or more other directions.

[0044] 6 shows an exploded perspective view of valve actuator 235. As previously described, valve actuator 235 may include valve actuation coupling 236 and drive mechanism 240. The components comprising valve actuator 235 and drive mechanism 240 may enable valve actuation coupling 236 to be both movable independently of drive mechanism 240 to couple to the valve member coupling and movable with drive mechanism 240 to actuate valve member coupling 226.

[0045] Drive mechanism 240 may include a drive shaft 248 and a transmission connector 250. Drive shaft 248 includes a drive shaft coupling 252. In the illustrated embodiment, drive shaft coupling 252 includes a first slot 253 defined in an end of drive shaft 248. Transmission connector 250 includes a first transmission coupling 254 and a second transmission coupling 256. In the illustrated embodiment, first transmission coupling 254 includes a first extension flange extending outward from a base 251 of transmission connector 250, and second transmission coupling 256 includes a second extension flange extending outward from an opposite side of base 251 of transmission connector 250.

[0046] As shown, the drive shaft 248 may be coupled to the valve actuation coupling 236 via a transmission connector 250. The transmission connector 250 is disposed between the drive shaft 248 and the valve actuation coupling 236. Specifically, the drive shaft coupling 252 may be complementary to and coupled to a first transmission coupling 254, and the valve actuation coupling 236 may be complementary to and coupled to a second transmission coupling 256. The valve actuation coupling 236 may include a second slot 238 defined at an end of the valve actuation coupling 236. The second slot 238 may be at an end of the valve actuation coupling 236 opposite the end of the valve actuation coupling 236 from which the actuation arm 237 extends. The second extension flange of the second transmission coupling 256 can be received in the second slot 238 , and the first extension flange of the first transmission coupling 254 can be received in the first slot 253 .

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer connector 250 may enable the valve actuation coupling 236 to move both independently of and together with the drive mechanism 240. Specifically, the illustrated example may be configured such that, in operation, the drive shaft 248 may rotate about the drive axis 241 and rotationally drive the transfer connector 250 via the first slot 253 and the first extended flange of the first transfer coupling 254. The transfer connector 250 may transfer this rotational drive force to the valve actuation coupling 236 via the second slot 238 and the second extended flange of the second transfer coupling 256. This enables the valve actuation coupling 236 to move (e.g., rotate) together with the drive mechanism 240 and actuate the valve member coupling 226 to transition the valve member 212 between an open position and a closed position. Also, the illustrated embodiment may be configured such that, during operation, the valve actuation coupling 236 is movable relative to the transfer connector 250. Specifically, the valve actuation coupling 236 may be movable relative to the second transfer coupling 256 via the second slot 238 and the second extension flange of the second transfer coupling 256. This allows the valve actuation coupling 236 to move independently of the drive mechanism 240 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis, such as direction 244) to couple the valve actuation coupling 236 to the valve member coupling 226.

[0048] As an example, the valve actuation device 235 may include an Oldham coupling. The Oldham coupling may be used to couple the valve actuation coupling 236 to the drive mechanism 240. Specifically, the Oldham coupling may be configured to allow the valve actuation coupling 236 to be both movable independently of the drive mechanism 240 to couple the valve actuation coupling 236 to the valve member coupling 226 and movable with the drive mechanism 240 to actuate the valve member coupling 226 and transition the valve member 212 between the open and closed positions. In such an example, the Oldham coupling may be formed by the transfer connector 250, the drive shaft coupling 252, and the surfaces of the valve actuation coupling 236 that interface with the transfer connector 250. The Oldham coupling may thus be configured such that the drive mechanism 240 can drive the valve actuation coupling 236, and such that the valve actuation coupling 236 can move independently of the drive mechanism (e.g., independently of the drive shaft 248, such as in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis 241 (e.g., direction 244)).

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, drive mechanism 240 additionally includes a rotatable wheel 260 and a linkage member 262. Linkage member 262 may be coupled to rotatable wheel 260, for example, at a receptacle 261 defined on rotatable wheel 260. Rotatable wheel 260 may be coupled to drive shaft 248, for example, at an end of drive shaft 248 opposite the end of drive shaft 248 having drive shaft coupling 252. Rotatable wheel 260 and linkage member 262 may be configured to provide power to drive drive shaft 248, thereby moving drive mechanism 240 and actuating valve member coupling 226. Specifically, linkage member 262 may be coupled to and receive power from power source 242. Linkage member 262 may transmit this power to rotatable wheel 260. Linkage member 262 may thus be configured to rotatably drive rotatable wheel 260 to move drive mechanism 240 and actuate valve member coupling 226. Other embodiments may implement different mechanisms for powering drive shaft 248 to drive drive shaft 248 and thereby move drive mechanism 240 to actuate valve member coupling 226.

[0050] In some embodiments, one or more components may be included to facilitate the described operation of the valve actuator 235. For example, the valve actuator 235 may include one or more bearings 264, for example, included at one or more locations where relative rotation between components may occur. In the illustrated embodiment, one bearing 264 is included between the drive shaft 248 and the end plate 266. This bearing 264 may be at an end of the drive shaft 248, such as the end of the drive shaft 248 that interfaces with the rotatable wheel 260, and this bearing 264 may act to secure the rotatable drive shaft 248 to the end plate 266. In the illustrated embodiment, another bearing 264 is included between the drive shaft 248 and the mount 268. This bearing 264 may be at a portion of the drive shaft 248 that interfaces with the drive shaft coupling 252, and this bearing 264 may act to secure the rotatable drive shaft 248 to the mount 268. The end plate 266 and / or the mount 268 may at least partially form a housing for the valve actuator 235 within which one or more components of the valve actuator 235 may be disposed. The end plate 266 and / or the mount 268 may also provide one or more surfaces for securing certain components of the valve actuator 235.

[0051] 7 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 700 for coupling a valve actuator to a valve device and actuating the valve device. The valve actuator referenced in method 700 may have one or more (e.g., all) of the features disclosed herein with respect to valve actuator 235. The valve device referenced in method 700 may have one or more (e.g., all) of the features disclosed herein with respect to valve device 210.

[0052] At step 710, method 700 includes disposing a fluid reservoir in the fluid injection system. The fluid reservoir referenced in method 700 can have one or more (e.g., all) of the features disclosed herein with respect to fluid reservoir 206. For example, the fluid reservoir can be disposed in the fluid injection system such that a plunger (e.g., plunger 108) is coupled to a drive ram of a drive assembly of the fluid injection system. This can include disposing the fluid reservoir in a sleeve (e.g., sleeve 232) of the fluid injection system. Disposing the fluid reservoir in the fluid injection system can result in a valve device (e.g., valve device 210) coupled to the fluid reservoir being positioned in a location that can be a function of the placement of the fluid reservoir in the fluid injection system. Depending on the embodiment of the fluid injection system, disposing the fluid reservoir in the fluid injection system can optionally include disposing the fluid reservoir within the fluid injection system, such as within a sleeve of the fluid injection system.

[0053] In step 720, method 700 includes coupling a valve actuator (e.g., valve actuator 235) to a valve device (e.g., valve device 210 coupled to a fluid reservoir). For example, the valve actuator may include a valve actuation coupling coupled to a valve actuator drive mechanism. In such an example, coupling the valve actuator to the valve device may include coupling the valve actuation coupling of the valve actuator to a valve member coupling of the valve device. In some examples, as a result of the placement of the fluid reservoir in the fluid injection system, the valve device may not initially be aligned with the valve actuation coupling. Thus, step 720 may include moving the valve actuation coupling, independent of the valve actuator drive mechanism, in a direction that moves the valve actuation coupling into alignment with the valve member coupling, such that the valve actuation coupling may be coupled to the valve member coupling. For example, the drive mechanism of the valve actuator can be configured to rotate about a drive shaft, and moving the valve actuation joint can include moving the valve actuation joint away from the drive shaft (e.g., perpendicular to and away from the drive shaft) independently of the drive mechanism of the valve actuator.

[0054] At step 730, method 700 includes actuating the valve device. For example, actuating the valve device may include actuating a valve member coupling of the valve device to move the valve actuation coupling together with a drive mechanism of the valve actuator to transition a valve member (e.g., valve member 212) of the valve device between an open position and a closed position. For example, the valve device may be actuated to transition the valve member from a closed position to an open position before advancing a plunger in the fluid reservoir to pressurize the fluid in the fluid reservoir. The valve device may also be actuated to transition the valve member from one open position (e.g., for fluid output / delivery) to another open position (e.g., for filling the fluid reservoir).

[0055] Various non-limiting exemplary embodiments have been described. It will be understood that suitable alternatives are possible without departing from the scope of the examples described herein. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A fluid injection system (100) comprising: a drive assembly housing (102); a sleeve (104) attached to the drive assembly housing; wherein the sleeve is configured to receive and secure a fluid reservoir (106; 206), the fluid reservoir having a plunger (108) driven therein, the fluid reservoir including an inlet port (214) and an outlet port (216) in fluid communication with the interior of the fluid reservoir; a valve device (210) attached to the fluid reservoir (206) and including a valve member (212) and a valve member coupling (226); wherein the valve member defines a fluid passageway (213), the valve member has an open position that allows fluid to pass through the valve device via the fluid passageway and a closed position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve device via the fluid passageway, the valve member coupling configured, when actuated, to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions, the valve device further including a first port (218), a second port (220), a third port (222), and a fourth port (224), the first port in fluid communication with an inlet port (214) of the fluid reservoir and the second port in fluid communication with an outlet port (216) of the fluid reservoir; and a valve actuation device (235) including a valve actuation coupling (236) and a drive mechanism (240); wherein said valve actuation coupling is coupled to said valve member coupling and said drive mechanism; Equipped with The drive mechanism is configured to rotate about a drive shaft (241); the valve member coupling is at an offset position from the drive shaft, and the valve actuation coupling is movable independently of the drive mechanism in a direction (244) away from the drive shaft to the offset position from the drive shaft such that the valve actuation coupling is aligned with the valve member coupling; the valve actuation coupling is movable with the drive mechanism to actuate the valve member coupling to move the valve member between the open and closed positions; the drive mechanism includes a drive shaft (248) and a transmission connector (250), the transmission connector being disposed between the drive shaft and the valve actuation coupling, the drive shaft including a drive shaft coupling (252), the transmission connector including a first transmission coupling (254) and a second transmission coupling (256), the drive shaft coupling being complementary to and coupled to the first transmission coupling, the valve actuation coupling being complementary to and coupled to the second transmission coupling; the valve actuation joint is movable relative to the second transmission joint; Fluid injection system.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, the valve actuator (235) includes a limiting plate (246), the limiting plate defining an aperture (247) therethrough; the opening has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension; The valve actuation coupling (236) extends through the opening in the restrictor plate; the valve actuation joint is movable along the first dimension independently from the drive mechanism; and The second dimension is sized to limit movement of the valve actuation joint independent of the drive mechanism along the second dimension to less than movement along the first dimension. system.

3. 3. A system according to claim 2, comprising: The second dimension is sized to substantially prohibit movement of the valve actuation joint independent of the drive mechanism along the second dimension. system.

4. 2. The system of claim 1, the drive shaft coupling (252) includes a first slot (253) defined in an end of the drive shaft; the valve actuation joint (236) includes a second slot (238) defined at an end of the valve actuation joint; the first transfer coupling (254) includes a first extension flange received in the first slot; and The second transfer coupling (256) includes a second extension flange received in the second slot. system.

5. 5. A system according to claim 4, the valve actuation joint (236) includes an actuation arm (237) extending from the valve actuation joint opposite the second slot (238); and The actuation arm is connected to the valve member coupling (226). system.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, The drive mechanism (240) further comprises a rotatable wheel (260) and a linkage member (262); the linkage member is coupled to the rotatable wheel; and The rotatable wheel is coupled to the drive shaft (248); and The linkage member is configured to rotatably drive the rotatable wheel to move the drive mechanism and actuate the valve member coupling (226). system.

7. 10. A system according to claim 1, comprising: a power source (242) coupled to the drive mechanism (240); the power source is configured to provide power to drive the drive mechanism and actuate the valve member coupling (226); and a controller configured to control the power provided by the power source to the drive mechanism to thereby control transition of the valve member between the open position and the closed position. Further equipped system.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, the valve member fitting (226) includes a first sidewall (227), a second sidewall (228) opposite the first sidewall, and a back wall (229) extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and The valve actuation coupling is received between the first side wall and the second side wall of the valve member coupling. system.

9. 9. A system according to claim 8, comprising: The valve actuation joint (236) is movable relative to the first sidewall and the second sidewall independently of the drive mechanism. system.

10. 10. A system according to claim 1, comprising: The open positions of the valve member include a first open position that allows fluid to pass from the outlet port through the fluid passageway through the valve device, and a second open position that allows fluid to pass through the valve device through the fluid passageway to the inlet port. system.

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