Adjustable Valve Actuator With Tool-Free Cam Limit Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve actuators for diverter valves in spas and pools lack sufficient adjustability, often requiring specialized tools for adjustments and offering only step-wise, limited adjustment options.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable valve actuator with removable components that can be adjusted manually by hand, featuring near-infinite adjustment capabilities through cam wheels and microswitches, allowing for precise control of valve settings without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional valve actuators are used, then the valve can be actuated automatically, but the adjustment of valve parameters requires specialized tools and offers only limited step-wise options
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuator incorporates adjustable limit switches that can be repositioned along the actuator shaft to provide continuous adjustment of valve travel limits. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the valve to be configured for different applications without requiring specialized tools or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator allows modification of operational parameters such as valve travel distance and stop positions through repositionable limit switches. By changing the position parameters of the limit switches along the actuator shaft, the valve can be adjusted to provide near-infinite adjustment options for different flow control requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed valve limits are used, then the actuator structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different valve settings and applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The limit switches are designed to be repositionable along the actuator shaft, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the same actuator to adapt to different valve types and applications by simply changing the limit switch positions, enhancing versatility without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator design with repositionable limit switches provides multi-functionality, allowing a single actuator model to serve multiple valve applications and configurations. The adjustable parameters enable the actuator to accommodate different valve travel requirements, making it universally applicable across various diverter valve scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve actuator may include a valve control shaft extending at least partially through a housing of the valve actuator, wherein the valve control shaft is configured for controlling a valve position of a diverter valve. A first cam wheel may be included, where the first am wheel at least partially surrounds the valve control shaft. A first cam may be fixed to the first cam wheel, and a first microswitch may have an actuator located in a rotational path of the first cam. The valve actuator may also include a second cam wheel at least partially surrounding the valve control shaft, where a second cam is fixed to the second cam wheel, and where a second microswitch has an actuator located in a rotational path of the second cam.