Compact Circular Valve Linkage for Low-Lash Piezo Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs for proportional fluid delivery in industrial processes, particularly those using piezoelectric actuators, are complex and costly due to numerous individual parts and complicated mechanisms, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact circular linkage assembly is introduced, comprising a thrust plate, hidden fork prongs, and a lifting nut, which simplifies the mechanical linkage between an expanding actuator and a movable valve element, reducing the number of parts and allowing for easier assembly, while maintaining effective actuation and centering within the valve housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional complicated mechanisms with many separate pieces are used to transmit actuator motion, then the valve can achieve proportional fluid delivery, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mechanical components (thrust plate, fork, nut, and actuator elements) into a single integrated circular linkage assembly that rotates as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for cross-drilling, separate springs, pins, and multiple fasteners, reducing the part count from over a dozen individual pieces to just a few integrated components while maintaining proportional control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The circular linkage assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits actuator motion, provides mechanical advantage for valve element actuation, enables proportional modulation through rotational movement, and maintains centering through its symmetric geometry. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple specialized components
2Reliability
If traditional mechanisms with cross drilling and multiple fasteners are used, then the actuator can be securely mounted, but the manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circular linkage integrates the mounting function directly into the rotated assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, cross-drilled holes, and multiple fasteners. The thrust plate and fork structures provide inherent mechanical engagement with the actuator and valve element, securing the connection through geometry rather than numerous fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mounting components (cross-drilling operations, separate springs, pins, and multiple fasteners) from the traditional design. The essential mounting function is retained through the simplified circular linkage geometry, removing extraneous elements that increased cost without adding value
3Force
If complicated mechanical assemblies are used, then the valve can transmit actuator force, but mechanical hysteresis and lash increase, reducing control precision
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the thrust plate, fork, and nut into a single integrated circular linkage that rotates together, the patent eliminates multiple interfaces and connection points where hysteresis and mechanical lash would occur. The direct rotational transmission from actuator to valve element through the unified assembly minimizes energy loss and improves control precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional linear push-pull mechanisms with multiple conversion stages, the patent inverts the approach by using direct rotational movement of the circular linkage. This inversion eliminates intermediate mechanical conversions that introduce hysteresis, allowing actuator force to be transmitted more directly and precisely to the valve element
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 compact linkage assembly reduces production costs and complexity, enhances mechanical efficiency by minimizing hysteresis and mechanical lash, and allows for precise control of fluid delivery in proportional modulating valves, particularly in semiconductor and pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The expanding actuator may be a piezoelectric stack
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A compact unitized mechanical linkage, which can be handled as a single piece within a valve top works, transmits force and motion of a piezoelectric actuator stack to a moveable element in a control valve. The linkage has few parts and all may be made at low cost. The linkage assembly comprises: a thrust plate having a thrust plate body and including a plurality of thru-slots defined in the thrust plate body and that extend axially through the thrust plate body; a lifting housing to engage the expanding valve actuator, the lifting housing including a plurality of prongs depending from the lifting housing and extending through at least one of the plurality of thru-slots; a ring nut secured to the valve housing and surrounding the plurality of prongs, the ring nut securing the thrust plate to the valve housing; and a lifting element secured to the plurality of prongs, the lifting element securable to the movable element.