Diaphragm Actuator Adjustable Spring Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm actuators in fluid control valves face variability in actuation response due to factors like spring and diaphragm selection, tolerances, and manufacturing variations, leading to performance drift over time, and lack mechanisms to safely reduce spring load during maintenance, exposing personnel to harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an internally positioned adjustment spring mechanism that allows for adjustable actuation force without external exposure, using a spring seat with an adjuster to modify the spring force applied to the diaphragm, enabling field adjustments and reducing the need for multiple spring and diaphragm replacements, thus simplifying inventory and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spring and diaphragm selection with standard tolerances is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but actuation response variability increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable spring pre-compression mechanism that allows changing the force parameter after assembly. By modifying the spring pre-compression distance through an adjuster, the actuation force can be tuned to compensate for manufacturing variations in springs and diaphragms, thereby maintaining reliable actuation response while keeping manufacturing simple.
2Device complexity
If fixed spring and diaphragm configurations are used, then inventory management is simplified, but adaptability to different operating flows is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static spring configuration into a dynamic, adjustable system. The adjuster mechanism enables the spring pre-compression to be modified in the field, allowing a single actuator design to adapt to different operating flow conditions and performance requirements over time, eliminating the need for multiple fixed configurations in inventory.
3Device complexity
If spring load cannot be reduced during maintenance, then structural simplicity is maintained, but personnel safety is compromised due to exposure to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary reduction of spring load through the adjuster mechanism before maintenance activities begin. By reducing the spring pre-compression distance while the spring is still under load, the harmful force is decreased in advance, allowing safe disassembly and maintenance without exposing personnel to full spring force in harsh conditions.
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
This approach enhances reliability and useful life by allowing force adjustments within the actuator, reducing exposure risks during maintenance, and simplifying inventory management by combining configurations into a single SKU, improving supply chain flexibility and profit margins.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to contact the first spring seat and the second spring seat at opposing ends
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Diaphragm actuators having adjustable actuation force are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a spring seat (316) coupled to a diaphragm (302) of an actuator. The spring seat is to contact a spring (312) and is to be coupled to a stem (344). The diaphragm is to displace the stem based on a force provided to the diaphragm, and the stem is to control a fluid valve. The example apparatus also includes an adjuster (324) to adjust an amount of force provided to the spring seat by the spring.