Integrated Fluid Control Valve Actuator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between stand-by and actuated states due to the limitations of diaphragm-type fluid control valves, which struggle to accommodate various actuation methods and configurations, leading to inefficiencies in fluid control and potential delays in firefighting responses.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly that standardizes the valve and trim assembly for multiple system configurations, including wet pilot, dry pilot, electric, and pneumatic/electric actuation, using a valve actuator with a housing, seal member, and ports to control fluid flow, allowing for manual and automatic operation, and incorporating features like spring members and manual reset actuators to ensure reliable transitions between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diaphragm-type fluid control valves are used to separate gas-filled and liquid-filled pipes, then the valve can control fluid flow between wet and dry portions of the system, but the valve struggles to accommodate various actuation methods and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple actuation methods including electric solenoids, pneumatic actuators, and manual operation mechanisms. The actuator mounting structure and diaphragm connection points are standardized to accept different actuator types without requiring custom valve bodies, enabling a single valve design to serve multiple system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is divided into modular components including the valve body, diaphragm assembly, and actuator mounting interface. This segmentation allows different actuator types to be independently selected and attached to the standardized valve body, providing versatility without increasing the complexity of the core valve mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized valve and trim assembly is used for multiple system configurations, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim assembly incorporates universal sealing surfaces and actuator connection interfaces that work across wet pilot, dry pilot, electric, and pneumatic configurations. Standardized port arrangements and mounting patterns allow the same basic assembly to be adapted to different system requirements through component selection rather than redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly includes adjustable components such as removable trim packages and configurable actuator mounting positions that can be adapted during installation or maintenance. This dynamic configurability allows a single standardized assembly to serve multiple purposes without requiring complex built-in switching mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the sealing member is maintained in the sealed position with pressurized fluid, then reliability of fluid control improves, but the force required to actuate the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates pilot actuators that apply partial pressure differential across the main diaphragm to initiate opening. Rather than requiring full actuation force directly on the main seal, the pilot system creates a small initial pressure imbalance that progressively opens the valve, reducing the peak force requirement while maintaining reliable sealing when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
Pilot valves and control diaphragms serve as intermediaries between the actuator and the main sealing member. These intermediary components amplify small actuation forces into larger forces that reliably overcome the main seal pressure, allowing reliable sealing at high pressures while requiring only modest actuation forces.
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 assembly enables efficient and reliable fluid control across different system configurations, ensuring rapid and effective transition from a stand-by to an actuated state, enhancing firefighting response by maintaining the sealing member in the sealed position with pressurized fluid and allowing for increased fluid flow when transitioning, thus improving the overall performance and adaptability of fire protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid pressure is controlled by various components arranged to respond to system conditions
Implementation Method 2
A spring member is disposed between the interior surface of the housing and the seal member
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of an integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly are provided. The assembly includes a pressure operated fluid control valve for controlling the flow of liquid from a liquid supply piping system into a sprinkler piping system of a fire protection system when transitioning the fire protection system from a stand-by state to an actuated state. The control valve defines a valve chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent the flow of fluid through the control valve. A valve actuator is coupled to the fluid control valve housing for setting of the fluid control valve in an unactuated ready state and for operating the fluid control valve automatically and/or manually. Automatic control devices can be placed in fluid communication with the valve actuator to maintain and control operation of the valve actuator for controlled operation of the fluid control valve.