Actuator Position Transmitter Cam Assembly for Rotary Stem Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position transmitter assemblies for actuators fail to accurately monitor the position of actuator stems during both linear and rotational phases of actuation, leading to inaccuracies in fluid flow control in valves.
Innovation Solution
A position transmitter assembly that includes a mounting bracket, a position sensor, an arm with a cam and follower assembly, and an anti-rotation bracket, which converts rotary movement of the actuator stem into linear movement of the arm and feedback array, ensuring accurate position determination through convex and concave profiles and a spring-biased fastener assembly to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position transmitter assembly is used to monitor actuator stem position during both linear and rotational phases, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for cam and follower assemblies to convert rotational movement to linear movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator stem and the position sensor. The cam converts the rotational movement of the actuator stem into linear movement that the position sensor can accurately measure. This mediator enables precise position monitoring during both linear and rotational phases without requiring direct rotational sensing, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct rotational position sensing with a mechanical conversion system (cam and follower) that translates rotational movement into linear movement. This substitution allows the use of simpler linear position sensors instead of complex rotational encoders, improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through mechanical transformation.
2Ease of operation
If the arm is allowed to rotate freely to follow actuator stem movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential binding and rotation issues during position monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arm into multiple portions (first portion and second portion) connected by a joint. This segmentation allows different sections to perform different functions: one portion follows the actuator stem movement while the other maintains proper alignment with the position sensor. The joint between segments enables controlled rotation only when necessary, preventing binding while maintaining position monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the arm through a joint that allows controlled rotation. The arm transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic one that can adapt its configuration based on the actuator stem position. This dynamic capability enables the arm to follow rotational movement without binding, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability in position monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Position transmitter assemblies for use with actuators are disclosed. A position transmitter assembly for use with an actuator stem of an actuator includes a mounting bracket arranged for attachment to the actuator. The position transmitter assembly includes a position transmitter operatively coupled to the mounting bracket, the position transmitter including a position sensor or a feedback array. The position transmitter assembly includes an arm. The arm includes a first portion and a second portion. The other of the feedback array or the position sensor is mounted to the first portion. The position sensor is responsive to the feedback array to enable the position transmitter to determine a position of the actuator. The position transmitter assembly includes a cam assembly arranged between the actuator stem and the arm. The cam assembly is to cause the arm and the feedback array to linearly move when the actuator stem is rotating.