Load Relieving Stem Connector for Valve Actuator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve stem connectors for coupling actuator rods to control valves face manufacturing disadvantages and design limitations, such as limited axial adjustment and potential damage during maintenance due to rigid connections and varying manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A load relieving stem connector with a housing having angled surfaces and a load relieving body, such as wedges or a cam, that allows adjustable engagement of actuator rods and valve stems, accommodating varying lengths and misalignments, and enabling secure coupling while allowing for independent movement during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid valve stem connector is used to securely fasten the actuator rod to the valve stem, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and misalignments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem connector is divided into two separate connector portions (first and second portions) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each portion can be separately fastened to the actuator rod and valve stem, allowing independent adjustment to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and misalignments while maintaining secure mechanical connection through bolt fastening.
2Device complexity
If a single rigid connector is used to couple the actuator rod to the valve stem, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the ease of maintenance and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into two portions that can be independently removed from each other. The first connector portion remains attached to the actuator rod while the second connector portion is removed from the valve stem, allowing maintenance personnel to service the valve stem without removing the entire connector assembly, thereby facilitating easier maintenance while maintaining relatively simple structure.
3Reliability
If bolts are tightened to create compressive load for secure fastening, then the connection reliability is improved, but the risk of damage during maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented connector design allows the second portion to be removed from the valve stem while the first portion remains attached to the actuator rod. This eliminates the need to completely disassemble the bolted connection during maintenance, reducing the risk of damage from repeated tightening and loosening of bolts while maintaining reliable connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with two separate portions that can be independently attached and detached. This preliminary segmentation allows maintenance personnel to perform servicing without having to fully disassemble the secure bolted connection, thereby preventing damage that could occur from repeated complete disassembly and reassembly of the high-strength fastened connection.
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 connector effectively accommodates manufacturing tolerances and misalignments, providing secure coupling while allowing for easy disassembly and maintenance without power, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The load relieving body is wedge-shaped and disposed within the connector housing between the actuator rod and the valve stem
Implementation Method 2
The load relieving body may be a wedge-shaped member or a cam
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator rod to a valve stem is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a connector housing having an outer surface and an inner surface where the inner surface defines an internal cavity. The example apparatus also includes an actuator rod passage extending from the outer surface into the internal cavity that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the actuator rod and a valve stem passage extending from the outer surface into the internal cavity that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the valve stem. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a load relieving body disposed within the internal cavity between the actuator rod passage and the valve stem passage.