Joint Linkage Actuation for Control Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control valves with gear-based actuation systems suffer from significant wear and are limited in high-speed operation due to the wear of parts in contact, leading to the need for over-dimensioning and potential breakages.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with a joint linkage actuation system that reduces friction and wear by transitioning from gear-based motion to rotational kinematic pairs, allowing for higher activation speeds and controlled force and speed modification during piston movement, thereby minimizing impact and extending system lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gear-based actuation system is used, then motion transmission is achieved, but significant wear of parts in contact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gear-based mechanical transmission system with a direct-acting piston mechanism. The piston is directly connected to the shutter through a rod, eliminating the intermediate gear transmission. This substitution removes the meshing gears that cause wear, while maintaining the ability to transmit actuation force effectively to move the shutter between open and closed positions.
2Speed
If gear-based actuation system is used, then motion transmission is achieved, but high-speed operation is limited due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the gear transmission system that limits speed due to wear concerns. The direct-acting piston mechanism allows for faster activation speeds because there are no meshing gears to wear out. The piston can be actuated quickly and directly transfers this motion to the shutter, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining reliability through the wear-free design.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If gear-based actuation system is used, then motion transmission is achieved, but over-dimensioning is required to guarantee longer duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex gear mechanism with a simpler direct-acting piston system. By eliminating the gears that require over-dimensioning to achieve long lifespan, the patent achieves extended system duration through a more straightforward mechanical connection. The piston and rod assembly requires less material and structural reinforcement compared to oversized gears, while providing equivalent or superior longevity.
4Reliability
If gear-based actuation system is used, then motion transmission is achieved, but breakages of teeth in contact occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the gear transmission system with a direct-acting piston mechanism, thereby eliminating the teeth in contact that are prone to breakage. The piston rod directly connects the actuation force to the shutter, removing the vulnerable gear teeth from the system. This substitution significantly improves structural integrity by eliminating the stress concentration points at gear tooth interfaces.
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 joint linkage system significantly reduces wear and enables higher speeds while maintaining actuation force, ensuring longer valve lifespan and controlled piston movement, eliminating the need for complex actuator controls to manage speed and force at extreme stroke points.
Implementation Method 1
Passing from a motion transmission by means of meshing gears to a transmission composed of elements connected by rotational kinematic pairs, the system benefits from a significant reduction of the frictions and consequently, less wear of the members in motion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a control valve comprising: —A passage path for a fluid inside the valve and that puts in communication an inlet with an outlet; —An obstruction element arranged as to result mobile between a closing position, in which it obstructs the path impeding the passage of the fluid from the inlet towards the outlet, and an opening position in which it allows said passage, and; —Movement means for operating the movement of the obstruction element between said opening position and said closing position and vice-versa. In accordance with the invention, the movement means comprise a joint linkage.