Coupling Apparatus Biasing Element for Actuator Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators for control valves often experience fluid leakage when power is removed due to insufficient seat load, requiring complex and costly assemblies like declutchable gearboxes, which are not always necessary and increase the overall size and cost of the valve and actuator assembly.
Innovation Solution
A coupling apparatus with a biasing element, such as Belleville springs, that provides a mechanical seat load to the fluid flow control member when electric power is removed, ensuring sealing engagement with the valve seat without consuming additional electric power, thus preventing fluid leakage and simplifying the assembly by eliminating the need for complex clutching mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drive system without biasing element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seat load is insufficient causing fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the biasing element function from complex declutchable gearbox assemblies and implements it through a simple spring mechanism integrated into the coupling apparatus, achieving sealing engagement without complex clutching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element automatically provides the necessary seat load to maintain sealing engagement between the flow control member and valve seat without requiring external control systems or additional energy input, making the system self-regulating
2Reliability
If complex clutching mechanisms are added, then the seat load is sufficient to prevent leakage, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unnecessary complex clutching mechanisms and retains only the essential biasing element function, simplifying the assembly while maintaining adequate seat load for sealing engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive complex clutching mechanisms with a simple, inexpensive spring-based biasing element that achieves the same sealing function without requiring maintenance-intensive components
3Reliability
If continuous electric power is consumed, then the seat load is maintained through motor operation, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spring-based biasing element that stores mechanical energy and releases it periodically to maintain seat load, eliminating the need for continuous electric power consumption while ensuring reliable sealing engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electric motor-based seat load maintenance system with a mechanical spring-based biasing element, converting from electrical energy consumption to stored mechanical energy for maintaining sealing engagement
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 solution effectively maintains the fluid flow control member in sealing engagement with the valve seat, preventing leakage and reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, while allowing for energy conservation by operating without continuous electric power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling assembly includes a biasing element that is to be deflected to provide a seat load to the fluid flow control member
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the drive system in a first rotational direction causes the coupling assembly to move in a first rectilinear direction
Data Source
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AI summary
Coupling apparatus for use with electric actuators (102) are described herein. An example coupling apparatus described herein includes a coupling assembly (106) to operatively couple a fluid flow control member (116) of a fluid valve (104) and a drive system of the electric actuator. Rotation of the drive system in a first rotational direction (304) causes the coupling assembly to move in a first rectilinear direction and rotation of the drive system in a second rotational direction causes the coupling assembly to move in a second rectilinear direction opposite the first direction. The coupling assembly includes a biasing element (206) that is to be deflected to provide a seat load to the fluid flow control member when the fluid flow control member is in sealing engagement with a valve seat of the fluid valve and electric power to the electric actuator is removed.