Actuator Device Auxiliary Frame Segmentation for Safe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators, when coupled to valves, fail to reliably switch to a safe position upon loss of power, particularly because auxiliary frames can only be biased when the valve spindle is in the upper position, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a motor spindle engaged with an actuator spindle via a nut, with an auxiliary frame that can be displaced and biased by the motor, and releasably coupled to the actuator housing, allowing independent displacement of the actuator spindle, and a coupling mechanism with grooves and locking bodies that facilitate easy disengagement, enabling the actuator spindle to move to a retracted position regardless of the motor spindle's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary frame is biased by compressing a spring while the valve spindle is in the upper position, then the valve can be moved to the safe closed position upon power loss, but the auxiliary frame cannot be biased unless the valve spindle is in the upper position, limiting its functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into two independent couplings: a first coupling between the nut and actuator spindle, and a second coupling between the auxiliary frame and actuator housing. This segmentation allows the auxiliary frame to be biased and locked independently of the valve spindle position, enabling the auxiliary frame to function regardless of whether the spindle is in the upper or lower position.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary frame can be biased by the motor in advance during normal operation, and the locking mechanism is prepared to engage at any position. This preliminary action ensures that when power is lost, the auxiliary frame is already in the correct biased state to move the valve to the safe position, without requiring the spindle to be in a specific position beforehand.
2Strength
If the locking body is prevented from displacing out of engagement by a locking ring, then the coupling remains securely engaged, but the coupling requires complex mechanisms to achieve disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to rotate about its axial center line, transforming the static locking mechanism into a dynamic one. By rotating the locking ring, the recesses align with the locking bodies, allowing them to disengage. This dynamic mechanism maintains strong engagement during normal operation while enabling easy disengagement through rotation, eliminating the need for complex release mechanisms.
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
Ensures the actuator spindle can be reliably displaced to a safe position even without power, enhancing the actuator's functionality and reliability by allowing the auxiliary frame to bias the spindle independently of the motor, and reducing the torque required for coupling disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
The nut is releasably coupled to the actuator spindle, thereby being arranged to bias the auxiliary frame while disengaged from the actuator spindle
Implementation Method 2
A locking ring that encircles the retainer ring prevents the locking body from displacing out of engagement with the cylindrical body. The locking ring is provided with at least one recess which can be brought into a corresponding position relative to the locking body when the locking ring is rotated
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuator device (1) comprising an actuator housing (2), a driving motor (4) attached to the actuator housing (2), which driving motor (4) is provided with a motor spindle (28), the motor spindle (28) being displaceably engaged with an actuator spindle (6) via a nut (38), and where an auxiliary frame (8) which can be displaced relative to the actuator spindle (6) and biased by use of the driving motor (4), and which can be releasably coupled to the actuator housing (2), is arranged to displace the actuator spindle (6) independently of the motor (4), and where the nut (38) is releasable coupled to the actuator spindle (6), thereby being arranged to bias the auxiliary frame (8) while disengaged from the actuator spindle (6).