Integrated Threaded-Splined Valve Stem for Shorter Choke Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art choke valves require a significant axial length for the valve stem, leading to increased overall size, weight, and cost due to the separation of threaded and splined sections, which complicates the design and increases the bonnet size.
Innovation Solution
A valve stem with a combination threaded and splined section, where the thread is cut into axial segments with splines, allowing for translational movement while reducing the axial length needed, thus minimizing the overall size and weight of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve stem uses separate threaded and splined sections spaced apart axially, then the valve can achieve proper engagement with the drive nut and anti-rotation ring, but the overall axial length of the valve stem increases, leading to larger bonnet size, increased weight, and higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the threaded section and splined section into a single integrated section of the valve stem. The threaded portion and splined portion are axially overlapped on the same segment of the stem, eliminating the need for separate spaced-apart sections. This merging allows the drive nut and anti-rotation ring to engage simultaneously on the same axial segment, significantly reducing the overall axial length of the valve stem while maintaining reliable engagement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional axial separation of functional sections to a two-dimensional radial arrangement where threaded and splined portions are distributed around the circumference of the same axial segment. This dimensional change allows multiple engagement functions to occur at the same axial position, reducing the axial footprint of the valve stem.
2Reliability
If the valve stem is made longer to accommodate separate threaded and splined sections, then proper engagement is achieved, but the bonnet size and overall valve weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the threaded and splined sections into a single axial segment of the valve stem, the patent reduces the overall length of the valve assembly. This shorter configuration directly reduces the weight of stationary components including the bonnet and valve body, while the integrated engagement sections maintain full functionality for both threaded and splined connections.
3Reliability
If separate threaded and splined sections are used on the valve stem, then proper mechanical engagement is achieved, but the number of components and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple engagement sections into a single integrated valve stem segment, reducing the total number of separate components. The threaded and splined portions are formed on the same axial segment of the stem, eliminating the need for separate manufactured sections and reducing assembly complexity. This integration simplifies the valve stem structure while maintaining all necessary mechanical engagement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem section is designed with multi-functionality, serving both threaded engagement and splined engagement purposes within the same axial segment. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions that previously required separate sections, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
One illustrative embodiment of a valve disclosed herein comprises a body (12), a valve stem (22) that comprises a combination threaded-splined section (22X) and an unthreaded section (22Y) wherein the combination threaded-splined section (22X) comprises at least one spline (22S) and a thread (22Z). The valve (10) also comprises an anti-rotation ring (26) that includes at least one tab (26T) positioned in the at least one spline (22S) of the combination threaded-splined section (22X) and a threaded drive nut (24) that is adapted to engage the thread (22Z) of the combination threaded-splined section (22X).