Actuator Coupling Mechanism for Misalignment Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms for coupling rotating stems to actuator shafts often result in misalignment, leading to excessive radial forces and side loads, which can affect the performance of devices like gate valves and poppet valves.

Innovation Solution

A coupling mechanism comprising a drive ring, a carrier, and a coupling mechanism with specific slots and projections that allow for axial movement and torque transmission, enabling operation despite misalignment without applying unwanted forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bearing assembly is mounted on the carrier to allow operation despite misalignment, then the device can operate with misalignment, but excessive radial forces and side loads are applied against the bearings and carrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation capability with misalignmentVSAvoidradial forces and side loads on bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator shaft and the component stem. This coupling mechanism includes features that allow it to absorb and accommodate misalignment while transmitting torque, thereby eliminating the need for bearing assemblies and preventing excessive radial forces and side loads on surrounding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drive nut is allowed to move freely to accommodate misalignment, then operation is possible, but the stem becomes misaligned relative to the actuator shaft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation capability with misalignmentVSAvoidalignment between stem and actuator shaft

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic features that allow it to adapt its configuration during operation. The coupling can flex or adjust its position to accommodate misalignment between the actuator shaft and component stem, maintaining proper alignment while enabling operation despite manufacturing tolerances or thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex bearing assembly is added to compensate for misalignment, then operation is possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation capability with misalignmentVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. It simultaneously provides torque transmission, misalignment accommodation, and alignment maintenance, eliminating the need for separate bearing assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7658365B2Assemblies and methods for coupling a component to an actuator

Publication Date: 2010.02.09 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Assemblies and methods are provided for use in coupling a component to an actuator, where the component includes a stem and a drive nut, and the stem is configured to be rotated by the actuator and to move linearly through an opening in the drive nut. In an embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling mechanism, a drive ring, and a carrier, where the coupling mechanism and the carrier each include slots and the drive ring includes projections that correspond with the slots.