Actuator Spring Load Adjuster for Field Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators require disassembly and reassembly to adjust spring load due to manufacturing tolerances, which is laborious and often impractical for users lacking specialized resources or tools, especially when shims and spacers need to be manufactured separately.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a spring load adjuster with a collar and locking devices that allow continuous adjustment of the spring load without disassembly, using tie rods and adjusters to change the distance between the collar and the first plate, enabling external access and incremental adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shims and spacers are added or removed to adjust spring load, then the valve seat load can be adjusted to achieve target loads, but the actuator must be disassembled and reassembled which is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring load adjuster enables dynamic adjustment of the spring load during operation. The adjustable collar can be positioned at different locations along the actuator stem, allowing the spring load to be modified without disassembling the actuator. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing precision (valve seat load accuracy) while eliminating the time loss associated with disassembly and reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjuster allows the actuator to self-adjust its spring load using its own components. The adjustable collar works with the existing actuator stem and spring assembly to modify the spring load directly, eliminating the need for external shims or spacers that would require disassembly. This self-service approach maintains precision while saving time.
2Manufacturing precision
If shims and spacers are manufactured in specialized assembly shops, then the spring load can be adjusted, but customers lack the resources to manufacture these parts themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the specialized assembly shop environment and integrated directly into the actuator structure. The adjustable collar is a built-in component that allows field adjustment without requiring external shims or spacers. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing precision while making the adjustment accessible to end users who lack specialized manufacturing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable collar serves multiple functions: it adjusts the spring load, maintains the valve seat position, and provides a user-friendly adjustment interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shims or spacers, making the adjustment process accessible to customers without specialized resources while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuator is disassembled to adjust spring load, then the actual spring performance can be corrected, but the process must be repeated multiple times to achieve target loads
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable collar provides continuous dynamic adjustment capability along the actuator stem. This allows the spring load to be fine-tuned in small increments without disassembly, eliminating the need to repeat the disassembly-reassembly process multiple times. The dynamic adjustment maintains precision while simplifying the overall adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable collar is pre-configured to work with the actuator's existing spring and stem geometry. This preliminary design integration allows for direct adjustment without requiring multiple trial-and-error disassembly cycles. The pre-engineered interface between the collar and actuator components simplifies the adjustment process while maintaining precision.
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 method simplifies the adjustment of spring loads in actuators, reducing the need for disassembly and specialized tools, allowing for precise target load achievement without requiring custom parts, thus saving time and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
The locking devices may be engaged with the first plate to substantially lock the spring load adjuster in place
Implementation Method 2
adjusters, and locking devices. The spring load adjuster may be adjusted by changing a distance between the spring load adjuster and the first plate
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for adjusting a spring load in an actuator are described. An example actuator includes a housing and a plate. Further, the example actuator includes one or more springs (226) disposed in the housing to apply a force to the plate. Additionally, the example actuator includes a spring load adjuster (212) having a collar extending through and movably engaged to the plate (208) to enable an adjustment of the position of the collar relative to the plate to change a load provided by the one or more springs.