Instrumented Coupling Sleeve for Torque Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorized valve diagnostic methods often fail to accurately determine the cause of operational failures, leading to unnecessary dismantling of components, especially in critical installations like nuclear power plants, due to the need for structural modifications and invasive measurement systems that disrupt the valve's geometry and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A motorized valve with a coupling sleeve that enables direct torque measurement between the servomotor and operating nut, using contactless data transmission and internal processing, allowing for precise fault diagnosis without altering the valve's architecture, and enabling reversible operation for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement systems are inserted between components of the valve to measure torque, then measurement capability is improved, but the valve's geometry and rigidity are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is nested within the coupling sleeve, which is an existing internal component of the valve. The torque sensor is installed inside the coupling sleeve without modifying the external geometry of the valve, thus maintaining rigidity while enabling torque measurement at the interface between the servomotor and operating nut.
2Measurement precision
If measurement systems are inserted between components of the valve, then torque measurement is enabled, but the valve requires structural modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling sleeve serves multiple functions: it couples the servomotor output shaft to the operating nut, transmits torque, and houses the torque measurement device. This multi-functionality allows the existing component to serve as both a mechanical coupling element and a measurement platform without adding separate structural modifications.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement systems are used, then torque data can be obtained, but heavy and inadequate structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling sleeve's existing structure is utilized to provide the mounting and transmission functions for the torque sensor. The sensor leverages the sleeve's mechanical interface between the servomotor and operating nut, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures or complex modifications to the valve body.
4Measurement precision
If the valve is dismantled for testing the actuator, then torque measurement can be performed, but total shutdown of the nuclear unit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented coupling sleeve acts as an intermediary that enables torque measurement while the valve remains installed and operational. The measurement system interfaces with the actuator through the coupling sleeve without requiring removal of the actuator or shutdown of the nuclear unit, allowing continuous operation during diagnostics.
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
This solution allows for accurate fault identification, reducing unnecessary interventions and maintaining the valve's structural integrity, enabling efficient maintenance and substitution without affecting seismic resistance or operational availability.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling sleeve connected to the servomotor and to the operating nut to couple the shaft in rotation
Implementation Method 2
a device for direct measurement of the torque delivered by the output shaft of the servomotor to the operating nut
Implementation Method 3
a contactless transmitter of measurement data recorded by the measurement device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
A motorised valve comprising an instrumented rod. The invention concerns a motorised valve 1 comprising a servomotor 10, a operating nut 40, and a coupling rod 20 for rotationally coupling the servomotor 10 and the operating nut 40. The coupling rod 20 of the present valve 1 is equipped with a device 21 for direct measurement of the torque delivered by servomotor 10 to operating nut 40 and a contactless transmitter of measurement data recorded by the measurement device. The invention also concerns a coupling rod 20, an electric valve system of a nuclear power plant, a data processing module, a method for implementing the measured data, and a computer program product for implementing said method during an execution of said program by a processor 2.