Capless Valve Actuators with Rotatable Sealing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve and actuator assemblies require a cap to constrain axial movement of the piston, which complicates visual inspection and seal replacement, and do not allow for easy rotation without affecting sealing functions.
Innovation Solution
A capless valve actuating arrangement where the piston and valve member are connected to eliminate the need for a cap, allowing for visual inspection and easy replacement of seal members, and a valve member that can rotate while maintaining sealing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is used to constrain axial movement of the piston, then the piston is properly constrained, but visual inspection becomes complicated and seal replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cap component entirely from the actuator assembly. Instead of using a cap to constrain the piston, the design allows the piston to extend directly from the actuator body, eliminating the need for a removable cap while maintaining proper piston constraint through the valve member connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the piston and valve member into a connected assembly where the piston is directly coupled to the valve member. This merging eliminates the need for a separate cap component, as the valve member itself provides the constraint function previously performed by the cap.
2Reliability
If a cap is used to constrain axial movement of the piston, then the piston is properly constrained, but seal member replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cap component that previously obscured access to seal members. By eliminating the cap, the seal members located at the piston and valve member interfaces become directly accessible for inspection and replacement without disassembling additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the actuator assembly with separable components including the piston, valve member, and seal members that can be independently accessed. The seal members are positioned such that they can be replaced by simply removing the piston or valve member, facilitating easy maintenance.
3Reliability
If the valve member is fixed in a specific rotational position, then sealing may be optimized, but the valve cannot be rotated without affecting sealing functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve member with a sealing configuration that functions effectively at any rotational position. The sealing surfaces and seal members are arranged such that the valve can perform its double block and bleed function regardless of the valve member's rotational orientation, providing universal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs seal members made from compliant materials that can adapt to the sealing surfaces regardless of rotational position. The use of flexible sealing elements allows the valve to maintain reliable sealing at any orientation, combining rotational freedom with effective sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to valve and actuator assemblies. The valve actuator assemblies may include a capless valve actuating arrangement, include a replaceable passage defining member that includes seal members, include a valve member that is assembled in a valve chamber from an end of the valve body that is opposite an end that a piston is assembled in, and/or include a valve member that may be rotated in a valve body without affecting the ability of the valve member to perform its sealing functions.