Mechanically Locked Spring Force Assembly for Compact Valve Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve actuators require high spring forces for operations like wire cutting, leading to large, costly, and heavy components that are difficult to source and maintain.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spring force assembly within the actuator that mechanically stores and applies force, using multiple smaller springs to achieve the necessary cutting force, with a mechanical lock to maintain the compressed position until activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high spring forces are used for wire cutting operations, then the cutting force is sufficient, but the actuator size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force assembly is divided into multiple components: a collet with expansion profile, a groove in the actuator, and a shoulder interface. The spring force is segmented into multiple smaller springs arranged circumferentially, each contributing to the total closing force. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed across multiple smaller components rather than requiring a single large spring, thereby reducing overall actuator size and weight while maintaining sufficient cutting force.
2Force
If high spring forces are used for wire cutting operations, then the cutting force is sufficient, but the actuator cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force assembly uses multiple smaller springs arranged circumferentially around the valve stem, each spring contributing a portion of the total closing force. This segmentation allows for the use of smaller, less expensive springs that can be manufactured more easily and sourced from standard inventories, reducing the overall cost compared to a single large, custom-manufactured spring while still achieving the required cutting force.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet and groove mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores the spring force in a compact configuration, provides a mechanical locking system, and allows for easy installation and replacement of the spring assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall actuator design and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Force
If high spring forces are used for wire cutting operations, then the cutting force is sufficient, but the actuator footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force assembly is nested within the existing actuator housing and valve stem structure. The multiple springs are arranged circumferentially around the valve stem, utilizing the existing vertical space within the actuator. The collet and groove mechanism is integrated into the actuator body, with the expansion profile nesting within the groove. This nested arrangement generates high spring force without increasing the external footprint of the actuator.
4Force
If large springs are used to achieve high closing force, then the force is sufficient, but the springs are difficult to source and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force assembly uses multiple smaller springs arranged circumferentially, each spring being a standard, easily-sourced component. If one spring fails or wears, only that single spring needs to be replaced rather than the entire large spring assembly. The collet and groove mechanism provides a simple installation and removal system, allowing for quick maintenance and interchangeability of the spring components.
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 the size, weight, and cost of the actuator by using smaller, interchangeable springs, while providing sufficient force for wire cutting operations without increasing the actuator's footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to be compressed responsive to movement of the collet
Implementation Method 2
the spring configured to generate a closing force on the valve in response to movement of the collet
Implementation Method 3
an interface between the sleeve and the collet is used to transmit force from the sleeve to the collet
Implementation Method 4
the expanding profile configured to be driven radially outward and into the groove by the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A spring force assembly a sleeve coupled to a valve stem and configured to move axially along a valve axis responsive to movement of the valve stem. The spring force assembly also includes a collet positioned circumferentially about the sleeve, wherein an interface between the sleeve and the collet is used to transmit force from the sleeve to the collet. The spring force assembly further includes a spring configured to be compressed responsive to movement of the collet. Downward movement of the collet, responsive to movement of the sleeve, is configured to engage a portion of the actuator to mechanically lock the spring into a compressed position and to maintain the spring in the compressed position until upward movement of the sleeve, relative to the collet, releases the collet.