Failsafe Valve Actuation Using a Torsional Spring Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Actuated valves often become stuck in partially open or closed positions when the actuator fails, particularly in critical applications like refueling, where it is essential for the valve to return to a fully open or closed state to ensure safety and operational efficiency without decreasing system performance.
Innovation Solution
A failsafe valve system that includes a failsafe drive adapter and a torsional spring, which automatically drives the valve to a predefined position (fully open or closed) in case of actuator failure, using a solenoid and position sensors to manage the re-latching and operation, ensuring energy efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional actuator is used to control the valve, then the valve can be operated under normal conditions, but the valve becomes stuck in a partially open or closed position when the actuator fails
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to a compressed state during normal operation, storing potential energy that is ready to be released. The solenoid is pre-positioned to engage with the spring mechanism, so that upon power failure, the stored energy automatically propels the valve to its safe position without requiring additional control actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The failsafe mechanism is designed to automatically counteract the actuator's failed position by using the pre-loaded spring force to drive the valve to a predetermined safe position (fully open or fully closed), effectively preventing the harmful state of being stuck in an intermediate position.
2Reliability
If a failsafe mechanism is added to the valve system, then the valve can return to a safe position upon actuator failure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The failsafe mechanism is integrated into the existing actuator assembly, with the spring housed within the actuator body and the solenoid mounted on the actuator housing. This merging of components achieves failsafe functionality without adding separate external mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the failsafe action upon power loss, assists in valve positioning during normal operation, and can be reset automatically when power is restored. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, keeping the system relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If energy is continuously supplied to maintain valve position, then the valve remains controllable, but energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous energy supply, the system uses periodic electrical pulses to the solenoid for normal valve positioning, and relies on the pre-loaded spring for failsafe action. This periodic rather than continuous energy application significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining full controllability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded failsafe mechanism is self-activating upon power loss, requiring no additional energy input. The stored potential energy in the spring automatically drives the valve to its safe position, making the failsafe function energy-independent and eliminating the need for continuous power supply to maintain safety.
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 system effectively ensures the valve returns to a safe state during actuator failure, maintaining operational efficiency and safety by utilizing stored energy from a torsional spring to override the actuator's position, allowing for seamless operation upon power resumption.
Implementation Method 1
A failsafe valve system is provided that includes a failsafe drive adapter, a torsional spring, and a solenoid
Implementation Method 2
A failsafe valve system is provided that includes a failsafe drive adapter, a torsional spring, and a solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
A failsafe valve system configured to bring the valve to a predefined state (e.g., fully opened, fully closed) if the actuator fails (e.g., loss of power). The failsafe system of the present disclosure is energy efficient and reliable.