Deformation Buffer for Valve Top Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices for process plants face difficulties in precise alignment and secure attachment of the top to the valve housing during assembly, particularly for inexperienced personnel, due to lack of rotational symmetry and high lever arms, leading to potential over-rotation or inadvertent detachment.
Innovation Solution
A deformation buffer is integrated on opposite screw stop surfaces of the top and valve housing, which deforms predictably during screwing to delay axial screw pressure force buildup, ensuring a stable and accurate positional alignment and preventing sudden detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the top is screwed into the lead-through opening without a deformation buffer, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the positioning precision deteriorates and the risk of inadvertent detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation buffer acts as an intermediary element between the top and the valve housing. It mediates the screwing process by deforming in a predetermined manner to delay axial screw pressure force buildup, ensuring precise positioning while preventing sudden detachment. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by providing both positioning precision and detachment prevention without requiring complex assembly structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation buffer provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-configured to deform in a controlled manner during assembly. This predetermined deformation delays the buildup of axial screw pressure forces, cushioning against sudden force spikes that could cause inadvertent detachment. The cushioning effect is built into the buffer's design, allowing precise positioning while maintaining simple assembly structure.
2Strength
If the top is screwed in with high screwing forces to prevent detachment, then the coupling strength increases, but the risk of over-rotation and positioning errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation buffer introduces dynamics into the otherwise static screwing process. By deforming in a predetermined manner, it dynamically delays the buildup of axial screw pressure forces, allowing the assembly to progress through different force states. This dynamic behavior enables achieving strong coupling without applying excessively high screwing forces that would cause over-rotation and positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation buffer changes the force parameter during the screwing process. Instead of a linear increase in axial screw pressure forces, the buffer's predetermined deformation creates a controlled, delayed force buildup. This parameter change allows the coupling strength to increase to the desired level while maintaining positioning accuracy by avoiding sudden force spikes.
3Power
If the top has high lever arms for yoke structure, then the actuating capability is improved, but the stability during screwing deteriorates due to inadvertent detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation buffer provides preliminary anti-action by being pre-configured to resist sudden detachment forces. Its predetermined deformation characteristic creates a counteracting force that delays axial screw pressure force buildup, preventing the high lever arm yoke structure from causing inadvertent detachment during the screwing process. This preliminary protective action maintains assembly stability while preserving actuating capability.
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 deformation buffer allows for precise and secure coupling of the top to the valve housing, reducing the risk of inadvertent detachment and facilitating assembly even by inexperienced operators, while also damping pressure shocks in the process medium.
Implementation Method 1
A deformation buffer (81) is arranged or formed on mutually opposite screw stop surfaces (71, 77) of the top (5) and of the valve housing (54) and which is deformed in a predetermined manner when screwing the top (5) on the lead-through opening (55)
Implementation Method 2
The deformation buffer allows for precise and secure coupling of the top to the valve housing, reducing the risk of inadvertent detachment and facilitating assembly even by inexperienced operators, while also damping pressure shocks in the process medium
Data Source
AI summary
In a positioning device for a processing plant, a valve is provided comprising a valve housing, a valve seat, and a valve member actuated by use of a lead-through opening in the valve housing. A top is provided for screwing on the lead-through opening and for rigidly coupling the valve housing to an actuator. A deformation buffer is arranged or formed on mutually opposite respective screw stop surfaces of the top and of the valve housing and which is deformed in a predetermined manner when screwing the top on the lead-through opening.