Actuator Coupling Device for Process Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for process valves have complex structural designs that make assembly cumbersome and conversion between safety positions (open and closed) difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An integrated path measuring system is incorporated into the actuator with a compact and simplified structure, allowing for easy mounting and conversion between pressureless open and closed valve positions, featuring a coupling device with concentric fastening flanges and a direct connection between the valve stem and coupling system, enabling quick and reversible assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuator uses a conventional structural design with separate mounting for valve stem and position measuring system, then the assembly structure is more robust, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the valve stem mounting interface and the position measuring system mounting interface. The first coupling part connects to the valve stem while the second coupling part connects to the position measuring system, and both are mounted on the same actuator housing, merging what would traditionally be separate mounting structures into one integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both the valve stem and the position measuring system through its two coupling parts. The first coupling part with internal thread receives the valve stem, while the second coupling part with external thread mounts the position measuring system, allowing a single component to serve multiple mounting purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is designed with fixed safety position configuration, then the manufacturing precision is higher, but the adaptability decreases and conversion between safety positions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between different safety position configurations. The actuator can be mounted in two opposite positions (first mounting position with first coupling part facing upward, or second mounting position with second coupling part facing upward), allowing the safety position to be changed by simply rotating the actuator 180 degrees rather than requiring complex reconfiguration or remanufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device uses asymmetric coupling parts (first coupling part with internal thread, second coupling part with external thread) positioned on opposite sides of the actuator. This asymmetric design allows the actuator to be mounted in two distinct orientations, each corresponding to a different safety position configuration, enabling easy conversion between normally open and normally closed valve positions.
3Ease of operation
If the valve stem and position measuring system are mounted on opposite sides of the actuator, then the ease of operation improves for conversion, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling parts
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into two distinct coupling parts (first coupling part and second coupling part) positioned on opposite sides of the actuator. The first coupling part with internal thread is for mounting the valve stem, while the second coupling part with external thread is for mounting the position measuring system. This segmentation allows independent mounting and conversion of either component without affecting the other, simplifying operation and conversion while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
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
This solution results in a more compact pneumatic valve unit with simplified assembly and conversion capabilities, allowing for efficient switching between normally open and normally closed valve positions without complex reconfiguration steps.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic actuator for actuators with a drive housing and a drive element movable therein
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuator (4) for process valves (2) comprising a housing (22), comprising two housing parts (24, 26) and a movable diaphragm working element (20) mounted sealed between the housing parts (24, 26), which on the one hand forms a pressurizable working chamber (28) with the housing (22) and on the other hand is actuated by at least one return spring (32), so that in the unpressurized state the diaphragm working element (20) is brought into a predetermined position by means of the spring preload of the return spring (32), wherein the diaphragm working element (20) is connected to a valve stem (18) of the process valve (2) connected to a valve body (16).A coupling device (64) is provided with coupling parts (66, 68) located on both sides in the stroke direction of the diaphragm working element (20), which are aligned with a connection (70) on the valve stem (18) such that the connection of the valve stem (18) to the diaphragm working element (20) is effected by a one-sided mounting, wherein the valve stem (18) can be selectively connected to either of the coupling parts (66, 68) of the coupling device (64). A position measuring system (48) is arranged on the actuator (2), which has a connection (72) that can be connected to each of the coupling parts (66, 68) of the coupling device (64) by a one-sided mounting. The coupling parts (66, 68) are designed analogously to the corresponding connections (70, 72) for selectively fixing the valve stem (18) or the position measuring system (48) on the coupling device (64).