Internal Fluid Coupling for Compact Valve Positioner Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems are cumbersome and prone to spillage due to the use of external tubing for connecting valve positioners to valve actuators, leading to complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with internal means for fluid connection between the valve positioner and actuator, utilizing a coupling element and stem extension with channels for fluid communication, reducing the number of components and eliminating external tubing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external tubing is used to connect valve positioner to valve actuator, then fluid can be routed between components, but the system becomes cumbersome and prone to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid routing function into the existing structural components (valve actuator body and positioner mounting structure) by integrating internal channels and passages. This eliminates the need for separate external tubing while maintaining fluid connection between the positioner and actuator, thereby reducing system complexity and eliminating spillage risks associated with external tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested fluid pathways where internal channels are embedded within the valve actuator body and mounting structure. The fluid routing channels are nested inside the structural components rather than being external, which eliminates exposure to the environment and prevents spillage while keeping the system compact and simple.
2Ease of operation
If external tubing is used for fluid connection, then components can be connected, but the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into unified structural components. The valve actuator body and mounting structure serve both structural support and fluid routing functions through integrated internal channels. This merging eliminates the need for separate external tubing components, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall system while improving compactness.
3Device complexity
If internal means are used for fluid connection, then system complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fluid channels directly into the valve actuator body and mounting structure as built-in features rather than separate components. This approach consolidates multiple manufacturing operations into single integrated parts, which can be manufactured using precision casting or machining processes. The integrated design ensures proper alignment of fluid pathways without requiring high-precision assembly of separate tubing components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A valve system comprising a valve (4) including a valve stem (13); a valve actuator (2) for controlling opening and closing of the valve (4) and comprising a piston (14) coupled to the valve stem (13) and defining a first chamber (6) of the valve actuator (2); a valve positioner (3) for controlling the valve actuator (2) and adjusting the position of the valve stem (13), and a coupling system (10) comprising a coupling element (20) for connecting the valve positioner (3) to the valve actuator (2), the coupling element (10) comprising a first channel (22) in fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the valve positioner (3) and a stem extension (30) that moves with the valve stem (13) and comprises a second channel (32) in fluid communication with the first channel (22) and the first chamber (6) of the valve actuator (2).