Motorized Line Valve Torque Relief by Reverse Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized line valves experience high residual static torque due to inertia and friction, leading to mechanical stress and reduced operational lifespan, necessitating costly maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A safeguard method that reverses the motor direction after valve operation, continuously monitors residual torque, and deactivates when it reaches an acceptable level, without adding components or increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor is blocked instantly after reaching the final position to keep the valve in position, then the valve position is maintained, but high residual static torque causes mechanical stress on the transmission chain components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blocking the motor instantly at the final position, the invention reverses the motor rotation direction after reaching the target position. This reverse rotation eliminates the residual static torque by rotating the transmission elements in the opposite direction, thereby reducing mechanical stress on gears, shafts, and couplings while maintaining valve position through control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies periodic reverse rotations at predetermined time intervals after the valve reaches its final position. This periodic action prevents continuous accumulation of static torque and mechanical stress on the transmission chain components, extending their operational life while maintaining reliable valve positioning.
2Reliability
If periodic movement cycles are performed to prevent valve blocking, then valve maneuverability is maintained, but significant man-hours and economic resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-maintenance by executing periodic reverse rotation cycles without human intervention. The control unit automatically commands the motor to rotate in reverse direction at predetermined intervals, eliminating the need for manual inspection and movement operations while maintaining valve maneuverability and preventing blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary reverse rotation actions at predetermined time intervals before actual blocking or malfunction occurs. This preventive maintenance approach addresses potential issues before they manifest as problems, avoiding the need for reactive maintenance operations and reducing overall maintenance time and costs.
3Force
If larger valves are equipped with reduction units to reduce the torque needed to move them, then the torque requirement is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic operation modes including partial opening positions and periodic reverse rotations, allowing the valve to move more easily by avoiding positions of maximum friction. This dynamic approach reduces the peak torque requirements during operation without requiring additional mechanical reduction units, thereby maintaining simplicity while managing torque demands.
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
Reduces mechanical stress on the motion transmission chain, prolonging the operational life of the valve and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
overcome the resistance of these due to their inertia and the friction that is inevitably created
Implementation Method 2
overcome the resistance of these due to their inertia and the friction that is inevitably created between the surfaces in contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The method of the invention concerns the safeguarding of a line valve (Vs), installed at a pipe (T) for the transport of a fluid and comprising a gearmotor unit (2), provided for its operation. The latter is equipped with a motor (21) and a reduction device (22), to switch the valve (Vs) on command between operating positions of passage of the flow of said fluid or interruption of the same, totally or partially. The safeguarding method, intended to eliminate or reduce the residual static torque weighing on the chain of motion transmission components, comprises the phases of: - Check that one of the switching phases has been completed and that the motor has stopped (21); - Command to reverse the direction of rotation of the motor (21); - Controlling the motor rotation (21), to eliminate or reduce the residual static torque module weighing on the gearmotor group (2) and on the line valve (Vs); - Continuous verification of the achievement of an assigned value for an operating parameter, indicative of the current value of the residual torque, and completion of the safeguard operation upon achievement of an assigned value for the same operating parameter, the latter indicative of an acceptable value of the aforementioned residual torque.