Elastic Hook Coupler for Fastener-Free Valve Actuator Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching and detaching actuators from valves in confined spaces face challenges due to the need for fasteners, complex structures, and susceptibility to vibration, leading to increased manufacturing costs and difficulty in maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with an elastically deformable hook portion that latches onto a valve's flange and a dedicated removal tool using leverage to easily attach and detach the actuator from the valve, preventing rotation and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a fastener such as a bolt is used to detachably fix the actuator and the valve, then the actuator and valve can be detached for maintenance, but a work space for unfastening is required which is not available in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from traditional bolts and replaces it with a hook portion that engages with the valve body through elastic deformation. The hook portion can be detached by simple elastic deformation without requiring tool access or significant workspace, thus maintaining detachability while eliminating workspace requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook portion utilizes its own elastic properties to achieve both attachment and detachment functions. The elastic deformation capability allows the hook to self-adjust during attachment and self-release during detachment when force is applied to the pulling portion, eliminating the need for external fastening tools or mechanisms.
2Ease of repair
If a curved spring pin is used to attach the actuator and valve, then detachability is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex spring mechanism and replaces it with a simple elastic deformable hook portion. The hook portion achieves the same detachable function through elastic deformation of the material itself, eliminating the need for intricate spring assemblies while maintaining ease of attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the hook portion from rigid to elastically deformable. This parameter change allows the hook to flex during attachment and detachment operations, providing the necessary compliance and reversibility without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
3Ease of repair
If a curved stirrup bracket is used to clamp the valve, then attachment is achieved, but the stirrup may fall off due to vibration from pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rigidity parameter of the hook portion by introducing elastic deformability. This allows the hook to absorb vibration energy through elastic deformation rather than rigid contact, preventing the detachment that occurs with rigid clamping structures like stirrup brackets under pressure-induced vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformable hook portion acts as a built-in cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs vibration forces before they can cause detachment. The elastic properties provide a compliance buffer that protects against the harmful effects of pressure changes and vibration, ensuring reliable attachment.
4Ease of operation
If a dedicated removal tool is used to deform the hook portion, then easy detachment is achieved, but an additional tool is required
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is designed with a universal gripping structure that can accommodate different hook portion sizes and shapes. The tool serves multiple functions including gripping the pulling portion, applying leverage for elastic deformation, and potentially serving as a installation aid, thereby justifying the additional tool through its multi-functionality and ease of use.
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
Enables quick and easy attachment and detachment of actuators in limited spaces, reduces manufacturing costs, and prevents damage to components during removal.
Implementation Method 1
the coupler has an elastically deformable hook portion that latches onto the outer periphery of the flange portion thereby to prevent the coupler from detaching
Implementation Method 2
the removal tool causes the hook portion to be elastically deformed by utilizing the principle of leverage thereby to be released from the flange portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
Provided are a coupler that can be produced at a low cost and that enables an actuator and a valve to be easily attached and detached without using a fastener, and a removal tool for the same. According to a coupler (3) for an actuator (4) and a valve (2), which is sandwiched detachably between the actuator (4) and the valve (2), the valve (2) is provided with a flange portion (22) protruding from an outer periphery of a valve main body, and the coupler (3) is provided with an elastically deformable hook portion (31) latching onto an outer periphery of the flange portion (22) to prevent detachment of the coupler (3), and a fixing portion (35) fastened to the actuator (4).