Quick Disconnect Actuator Mounting for Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator mounting structures for valves and dampers often require complex tooling and do not efficiently manage limited space, leading to suboptimal assembly and disassembly processes, particularly in confined environments.
Innovation Solution
A quick disconnect actuator mounting apparatus comprising a base, actuator mount, bail, and handle that securely attach and detach without rotational fastener advancement, utilizing a bail to slide into aligned holes for tool-free operation and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting structures are used to attach actuators to valves or dampers, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly and disassembly processes become complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple tools and rotational fastener advancement in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separate components: a valve adapter that attaches to the valve body and an actuator mount that attaches to the actuator. These segmented parts connect through aligned holes that accommodate a simple bail fastener, eliminating the need for complex integrated mounting structures and enabling easy assembly/disassembly with minimal tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional rotational fasteners that require advancement toward or away from the valve, the patent inverts the approach by using a bail that slides laterally into aligned holes. This inversion of the fastening direction allows operation in confined spaces without requiring rotational motion in the limited area between the actuator and valve.
2Productivity
If the mounting structure is simplified for quick connection and disconnection, then assembly speed improves, but the structural integrity and reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bail fastener is designed with specific local qualities: a curved shape that engages with the valve adapter and actuator mount, and a handle portion for manual operation. This localized design provides sufficient connection integrity for the specific application while maintaining quick assembly and disassembly capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The bail acts as an intermediary element that connects the valve adapter and actuator mount. This simple mediating component provides reliable connection without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, achieving both productivity and reliability through a straightforward intermediate element.
3Reliability
If rotational fastener advancement is used to secure the actuator to the valve, then the connection is reliable, but the process requires more space and time for tool operation in confined areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rotational fastening approach by using a bail that slides laterally into aligned holes. This inversion changes the fastening direction from axial (toward/away from valve) to lateral (side-to-side), eliminating the need for rotational motion in the confined space between the actuator and valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure transitions from one-dimensional rotational fastening to two-dimensional alignment and insertion. The bail aligns with holes in both the valve adapter and actuator mount, then inserts laterally, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the fastening operation that requires less confined space.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting apparatus and method couple an actuator to a valve or damper. The mounting apparatus includes five primary parts: a base which attaches to the valve or damper, an actuator mount which attaches to the actuator, a rotational coupler, a handle and a bail. The base and the actuator mount encircle the rotational axis in a mating relationship. The bail slides into aligned holes on the base and the actuator mount to secure the two together, preferably with legs on opposite sides of the rotational axis.