Dual Valve Actuation with One Servo and Freewheel Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve apparatuses for controlling fluid flow in temperature control circuits are complex, costly, and require multiple actuators, leading to increased system complexity, energy consumption, and limited cost-effective integration options.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve apparatus with a single actuator device and servo drive, utilizing transmission/coupling devices with freewheel mechanisms to independently control two closure bodies, allowing for directional rotation and gear ratio adjustment to optimize valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used to control multiple closure bodies, then each closure body can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single actuator device that controls multiple closure bodies through a common drive mechanism. The actuator device includes a single servo drive that can selectively rotate different output shafts to independently control each closure body, thereby reducing the total number of actuators while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where a single actuator can selectively engage different transmission paths to control different closure bodies. The servo drive can dynamically switch between controlling the first output shaft and the second output shaft, allowing flexible and independent control of multiple closure bodies with one actuator.
2Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are provided for each closure body, then precise control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuators into one shared actuator device with a single servo drive that serves multiple closure bodies. This consolidation reduces the total energy consumption while maintaining precise control through the servo drive's ability to accurately position each output shaft and corresponding closure body independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators and complex valve apparatus are used, then control functionality is enhanced, but integration cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single integrated actuator device that controls multiple closure bodies. This merging reduces the total component count, simplifies the valve apparatus structure, and lowers integration costs while maintaining versatile control functionality through the servo drive's selective engagement of different output shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of controlling different closure bodies for different temperature control circuits through its multiple output shafts. This universal design enhances adaptability and versatility while reducing the number of specialized components needed.
4Device complexity
If a single actuator controls multiple closure bodies, then component count is reduced, but control reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms where the single servo drive can selectively and independently engage different transmission paths to control each closure body. This dynamic capability ensures that the failure or issue with one transmission path does not affect the control reliability of other closure bodies, as the servo drive can independently manage each output shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device is provided for controlling the flow of fluids, comprising an actuator device having first and second transmission/coupling devices and a servo drive, a first and a second closure body of a first and a second valve, wherein the first closure body is connected to the servo drive via the first transmission/coupling device, and the second closure body is connected to the servo drive via the second transmission/coupling device, and wherein the first transmission/coupling device and the second transmission/coupling device are configured in such a way that, upon rotation of the servo drive in a first direction, the first closure body is rotated by the servo drive while the second closure body is not rotated by the servo drive.