Anti-Rotation Connecting Flange for Control Valve Torsion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved connecting flange that can facilitate the assembly of control valves and reduce torsion or twisting, which can occur in the connecting flange itself and/or the control rod.
Innovation Solution
The connecting flange features a substantially hollow-cylinder-like connecting body with outer-side and inner-side anti-rotation means. The outer-side anti-rotation means is configured to fix the connecting flange to a coupling structure or housing cover in a rotation-preventing manner, while the inner-side anti-rotation means secures the control rod to the connecting flange, preventing its rotation during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connecting flange is assembled without anti-rotation means, then the assembly process is simpler and requires fewer components, but torsion and twisting occur during assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting flange incorporates asymmetric anti-rotation means including an asymmetric outer contour on the connecting body and corresponding asymmetric inner contours on the coupling structure and control rod. These asymmetric features create form-fit engagement that prevents rotation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If anti-rotation means are added to the connecting flange, then torsion and twisting are reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation means are integrated into the connecting flange assembly itself rather than being separate additional components. The asymmetric outer contour of the connecting body and the corresponding asymmetric features on the coupling structure and control rod form a unified anti-rotation system that prevents twisting without requiring extra parts.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting flange allows rotation during assembly, then alignment is more flexible, but unwanted torsion occurs that can damage sealing means
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric anti-rotation means are designed to engage in a predetermined orientation during assembly, preventing rotation before torsional forces can damage the sealing means. The form-fit engagement of the asymmetric contours establishes the correct alignment and prevents unwanted twisting throughout the assembly and operation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a connecting flange for a control valve for reducing torsion. The control valve may be adapted for adjusting a process fluid flow of a process plant, and may include a substantially hollow-cylinder-like connecting body for connecting a control rod of the control valve to a coupling structure attachable to a valve housing of the control valve or a housing cover of the control valve. The substantially hollow-cylinder-like connecting body may have an anti-rotation means which is configured to fix the connecting flange to the coupling structure or the housing cover in the circumferential direction, such as in a rotation-preventing manner.