Actuator Installation Bracket for Retrofitting Shutoff Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water shutoff systems require custom actuators and skilled labor for retrofitting, making them expensive and difficult to implement, especially for automated fluid shutoff systems.
Innovation Solution
An installation bracket and valve actuator assembly that allows for easy retrofitting of actuators to existing shutoff valves, using a mounting system with a pivotable actuating member and a U-shaped portion to align with the valve stem, enabling automated operation without replacing the existing valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a custom automated shutoff valve is used, then automated water shutoff function is achieved, but system cost increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: an existing manual shutoff valve and a separate automated actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes the motor, power supply, and mounting bracket as distinct modules that can be independently installed on the existing valve, avoiding the need for a completely customized integrated valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate standard shutoff valves. The bracket includes adjustable mounting portions that can be configured to fit different valve types and sizes, allowing the automated actuator to be retrofitted onto existing valves rather than requiring custom valve designs.
2Extent of automation
If a custom automated shutoff valve is used, then automated water shutoff function is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the automated actuator components (motor, power supply, mounting bracket) as a separate assembly that attaches to an existing manual valve. This merging approach allows the use of off-the-shelf components rather than requiring a custom-manufactured integrated automated valve, significantly reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for easy retrofitting of the automated actuator onto existing valves using the adaptable mounting bracket. The design enables property owners or maintenance personnel to perform the upgrade themselves without requiring specialized plumbing skills or valve replacement, reducing installation costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If an existing valve is retrofitted with automation, then cost is reduced, but installation difficulty increases without proper mounting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the automated actuator and the existing shutoff valve. It provides the necessary mechanical interface and alignment features that simplify the retrofitting process, making installation straightforward without requiring custom valve modifications or specialized plumbing skills.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator installation bracket is provided for a water shutoff system including a water line, a shutoff valve having a stem, and an actuator. The actuator includes a housing having first and second ends, sides, and a pivotable actuating member. The actuator installation bracket includes a first mounting portion having first and second ends and a base portion extending therebetween. The base portion includes a number of apertures and receives the actuator. A second mounting portion extends outwardly from the base portion and is coupled to one of the water line and the shutoff valve, in order that the pivotable actuating member of the actuator is aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base portion and with the stem of the shutoff valve. A key couples the pivotable actuating member to the shutoff valve stem to open and close the shutoff valve.