Integrated Fluid Control Valve Actuator Assembly for Fire Protection
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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 valves, which struggle with versatility across different actuation methods and configurations, such as wet, dry, and electric pilot actuations.
Innovation Solution
A standardized integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly that includes a housing with specific port configurations and a sealing member, allowing for fluid communication changes between sealed and open positions, and supports various actuation components for wet, dry, and electric pilot actuations, enabling a single assembly to function across multiple system configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diaphragm-type valves are used for fire protection systems, then fluid control function is achieved, but versatility across different actuation methods (wet, dry, electric pilot) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed with a standardized body and actuator interface that can accommodate multiple actuation methods (wet pilot, dry pilot, electric pilot) through interchangeable actuator components. The main valve body remains constant while different actuators can be attached to the same interface, allowing a single valve design to serve multiple system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is divided into modular components: a standardized main valve body and separate interchangeable actuator assemblies. This segmentation allows the actuator portion to be changed based on the required actuation method while the core valve function remains consistent, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve configurations are used to support different actuation methods, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal valve body design with standardized port configurations and actuator mounting interfaces enables a single valve type to support multiple actuation methods. The versatility is achieved through software/configuration rather than hardware variety, reducing the number of different valve types needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities where the same physical valve can be reconfigured for different actuation methods through interchangeable components or settings, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed-design valves.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized integrated assembly is implemented, then ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but flexibility in customization may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized assembly is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then configured together. This allows for economies of scale in manufacturing individual components while maintaining the ability to customize the final assembly by selecting different combinations of standardized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized assembly incorporates dynamic configuration options where components can be adjusted or reconfigured after assembly to meet specific customization requirements, balancing the benefits of standardized manufacturing with the need for system-specific adaptations.
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 a unified valve actuator assembly to efficiently manage the transition from a stand-by to an actuated state in fire protection systems, ensuring reliable fluid control and adaptability across different system configurations, enhancing the system's responsiveness and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
providing fluid pressure from a common port to a chamber on a first side of the sealing member and a port on a second side of the sealing member
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
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.