Actuator Assembly Locating Shoulder for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid assemblies face challenges with high costs due to multiple seals required, difficulty in disassembling and reassembling for maintenance, and limited flexibility and tolerance to high pressures, especially when using crimping or brazing techniques.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly design featuring a valve body with a body locating shoulder and an actuator end with a first and second diameter portion, where the second portion includes a threaded region, allowing for alignment and secure screwing into the valve body, maximizing the load-bearing area and enabling easy disassembly for maintenance while withstanding high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple seals are used to ensure leakproof connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sealing function from separate seal components and integrates it into the locating shoulder structure itself. The locating shoulder creates a mechanical interference fit and geometric constraint that inherently prevents leakage without requiring additional seal elements, thus eliminating seal-related costs while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the locating and sealing functions into a single integrated structure - the locating shoulder. This shoulder simultaneously provides positional alignment and creates a seal through its geometric design, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall assembly complexity.
2Strength
If crimping or brazing is used to secure actuator to valve body, then connection strength is improved, but ease of disassembly for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection structure into separable segments - the actuator and valve body can be independently removed from each other. The threaded connection with locating shoulder allows the actuator to be screwed onto or off the valve body, enabling easy disassembly for maintenance while maintaining a strong connected state during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, permanent connection (crimping/brazing) to a dynamic, reversible connection (threaded assembly with locating shoulder). This allows the joint to be easily assembled and disassembled multiple times while maintaining connection integrity during operation, facilitating maintenance without compromising strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connection methods are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and tolerance to high pressures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameters from rigid fixed-position to adjustable threaded engagement with locating shoulder. This allows the connection to accommodate pressure-induced movements and thermal expansions while maintaining structural stability, providing both rigidity for stability and flexibility for pressure tolerance through the mechanical threading system.
Data Source
AI summary
An example actuator assembly includes a valve body having a body locating shoulder as a protrusion from an interior peripheral surface of the valve body, and an actuator having an end that is inserted into the valve body. The end has a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, and the second portion includes a threaded region. A locating shoulder is between the first portion and the second portion of the end of the actuator arranged at a position where the first diameter changes to the second diameter. The locating shoulder mates with the body locating shoulder of the valve body when the actuator is inserted and screwed into the valve body to enable alignment of the valve body and the actuator.