Adjustable Torque Valve Control via Separable Pinion Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical systems, such as those using rack and pinion or lever arm mechanisms, face challenges in adapting torque to meet functional demands, as the torque is often fixed and cannot be adjusted once the device is manufactured, leading to potential inadequacy in operation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism where the pinion and sleeve connection is separable, allowing for adjustable reference angular positions, and the rack is designed with an involute curve that can be modified to accommodate varying torque requirements, enabling precise adaptation of torque and effort through the use of meshing pins and a control system involving a motor-driven actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rack and pinion mechanism is used with fixed manufacturing, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the torque cannot be adjusted to match functional demands
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with a variable section where the distance from the rotation axis can be adjusted along the involute curve. This allows the torque to be dynamically adjusted by changing the radial position of the rack engagement point, enabling adaptation to different functional demands while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into multiple sections with different radial distances from the rotation axis. Each section corresponds to a different torque level, allowing the system to be manufactured with a standardized rack structure that can still provide variable torque through selective engagement of different rack sections
2Device complexity
If the torque variation is fixed in the lever arm mechanism, then the device structure is simple, but the torque cannot be adapted to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transforms the fixed torque characteristic into a variable torque system by allowing the rack engagement point to be positioned at different radial distances from the pinion center. This maintains relatively simple device structure while enabling torque adaptation through positional adjustment rather than complex mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rack is designed with adjustable torque requirements, then the adaptability to functional demands is improved, but the production and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is pre-designed with multiple predetermined sections at different radial distances from the rotation axis, each corresponding to a specific torque level. This preliminary preparation allows for easy adjustment during assembly or operation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining relatively simple production and assembly processes while achieving torque adaptability
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 allows for flexible adaptation of torque to match operational demands, reducing costs and simplifying production and assembly by enabling adjustable torque and effort, thus improving the operational efficiency and reliability of mechanical systems like valves and taps.
Implementation Method 1
the rack extending globally transversely to the axis of rotation of the pinion, following a curve which is the involute of at least part of the pitch perimeter (or diameter) of the pinion
Implementation Method 2
fixing pins in a plate, following said involute curve, then mounting the plate provided with said pins on a support
Data Source
AI summary
This concerns a valve operating device (3), via a rack (9) meshing with an elliptical pinion (11) linked to a sleeve (13) so that one transmits torque to the other. The connections between the pinion and both the rack and the sleeve are separable, so that the angular reference positions of the pinion relative to both the rack and the sleeve can be adapted according to a predefined variation in torque required to operate the valve.