Compact Valve Actuator With Planetary-Worm Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems require efficient and compact valve actuators that can operate in multiple positions and provide both powered and manual control, while minimizing power consumption and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve actuator design featuring a top and bottom housing with a trunnion mechanism, powered by an electric motor with planetary gears to increase torque and reduce rotation speed, and equipped with dual manual overrides for easy operation, allowing for 90-degree rotations and remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact valve actuator design is used, then the device size is reduced and space efficiency is improved, but the torque generation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs a planetary gear system where gears are nested within each other - the planet gears rotate around the sun gear while being contained within the ring gear. This nested configuration allows multiple gear stages to be packed into a compact volume, achieving high torque multiplication without increasing the overall actuator size proportionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear mechanism introduces a dimensional change by converting rotational motion into linear motion along the worm shaft, creating a self-locking mechanism that provides high torque output in a compact footprint. The worm gear engages perpendicular to the planet gear output, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently to achieve torque multiplication.
2Force
If high torque is generated through gear reduction, then the rotation speed is reduced, but the response time of the valve operation may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator uses an electric motor that can dynamically adjust its rotational speed and torque output based on operational requirements. The motor controller can provide high torque during valve transition phases while maintaining higher speeds during positioning adjustments, optimizing the balance between force and speed throughout the operation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation employs periodic action through the oscillating motion of the planet gears as they engage and disengage from the ring gear teeth during rotation. This periodic meshing action allows the system to build up torque incrementally while maintaining an average rotational speed that is faster than continuous gear reduction would allow.
3Ease of operation
If manual override mechanisms are added for emergency operation, then the ease of manual operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual override mechanism shares common structural elements with the powered operation system - the same worm gear and planet gear train are used for both manual handwheel operation and motor-driven actuation. This multi-functional design allows a single mechanical pathway to serve dual purposes, adding manual operation capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handwheel serves as an intermediary mechanism that converts manual rotational input into the same worm gear drive that powers the valve operation. This intermediary component provides an intuitive manual interface while leveraging the existing gear train, avoiding the need for separate manual actuation mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If an electric motor with planetary gears is used, then the power efficiency is improved, but the vibration during operation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator design intentionally utilizes controlled mechanical vibration through the planetary gear meshing action. The periodic engagement of planet gear teeth with the ring gear creates vibratory motion that, when properly tuned, helps maintain gear tooth contact and reduces sliding friction, thereby improving power efficiency while the vibration is kept within acceptable limits through proper balancing and damping.
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
The actuator achieves efficient operation with reduced power needs, lower vibration, and improved accessibility, enabling stable and efficient fluid flow control in fire suppression systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can comprise an electrically controlled motor, which provides rotational power to a gear box
Implementation Method 2
a gear box comprising one or more planetary gears, used to increase torque and reduce rotation speed
Implementation Method 3
The gears are engaged with a worm shaft gear, which is further engaged with a worm gear disposed at ninety degrees from the rotation of the motor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an actuator design that comprises a compact package, a more efficient use of power, and dual manual overrides for easy access. An electrically operated motor provides rotational power to a series of gears in a gearbox. The gears reduce speed and increase torque, and rotate a worm shaft gear that is engaged with a worm gear. The worm shaft gear is disposed parallel to the motor, and the worm gear rotates at a ninety degree angle from the rotation of the motor. The worm gears is coupled with a trunnion, which is engaged with a ball of a valve. Rotation provided by the motor to the gears is transferred to the worm shaft gear, which provides rotation to the worm gear, to the trunnion, resulting in rotation of the ball in the valve.