Fluid Actuator Integrated Valve and Pilot Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid operated actuators face challenges in cleanliness due to external surfaces that are difficult to sanitize, require complex external piping and wiring, and have high costs associated with individual seals for multiple fluid passages.
Innovation Solution
A fluid operated actuator with an integrated valve and pilot control module, die-cast end caps for a smooth exterior, and a multiple lip seal to reduce the number of sealing members, thereby simplifying the design and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pressure die-cast process is used to manufacture the actuator body, then the manufacturing efficiency and structural integrity are improved, but the exterior surface becomes difficult to clean due to protruding ribs and crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator body is divided into a first body portion and a second body portion that are separately formed and then joined together. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the first portion can have a smooth exterior surface for cleanability while the second portion contains the necessary internal configurations for actuation, resolving the conflict between manufacturing efficiency and cleanability.
2Reliability
If individual seals are provided for each fluid passage, then the fluid tightness is improved, but the cost and complexity increase with the number of components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing members are integrated into a single sealing member assembly that provides fluid sealing for multiple passages simultaneously. This merging reduces the total number of separate sealing components while maintaining fluid tightness across all fluid passages, thereby reducing complexity and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed with multiple sealing lips or surfaces that perform multiple sealing functions within a single component. This multi-functional sealing member can seal different fluid passages and interfaces, reducing the need for individual seals for each passage while maintaining reliable fluid tightness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate valve with external piping is used to control fluid supply, then the valve functionality is improved, but the piping and wiring become expensive and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is integrated directly into the actuator body, merging the valve functionality with the actuator housing. This eliminates the need for separate external piping and wiring, making the entire assembly easier to clean while maintaining full valve control functionality for fluid supply management.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is extracted from being a separate external component and incorporated as an internal component within the actuator body. This extraction from the external environment eliminates the cleanability issues associated with external piping and wiring while preserving the valve's control functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter plate is used to connect the valve to the actuator, then the valve installation flexibility is improved, but the space requirement and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve and actuator body are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for an adapter plate or separate mounting components. This direct integration maintains installation flexibility while significantly reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall assembly.
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 integrated design reduces the need for external piping and wiring, enhances cleanliness, and lowers costs by providing a fluid-tight seal with fewer sealing members, while maintaining a smooth exterior surface for easier sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
a pilot valve adapted to open a fluid flow path between the pilot input port and one or more of the first and second pilot output ports in order to actuate the valve member
Implementation Method 2
a multiple lip seal that is capable of providing a fluid tight seal between various ports
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid operated actuator (100) is provided. The fluid operated actuator (100) includes a body (101) forming a piston bore (201). A piston (111) is movable within the piston bore (201). The fluid operated actuator (100) also includes a valve unit (105) coupled to the body (101) and including a fluid inlet port (217), a fluid exhaust port (220), and a valve member (214) configured to selectively open a fluid flow path between the fluid inlet port (217) and the piston bore (201) and between the exhaust port (220) and the piston bore (201). The fluid operated actuator (100) can also include a control unit (106) coupled to the body (101) and the valve unit (105). The control unit (106) can include a pilot input port (317a) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port (217). The control unit (106) can also include first and second pilot output ports (317b, 317c) in fluid communication with the valve member (214). Further, the control unit (106) can include a pilot valve (230) adapted to open a fluid flow path between the pilot input port (317a) and one or more of the first and second pilot output ports (317b, 317c) in order to actuate the valve member (214).