Manual Valve Lever Drive for Precise Sealing and Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually operated valves lack a design that provides a pleasant and reliable manual actuation experience, with issues in force transmission, precision, and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A valve drive mechanism featuring lever pairs with rotatable joints and a manually actuatable handle, allowing for a slider-crank mechanism that ensures smooth, precise, and reliable operation with high force transmission, even under high lateral forces, and includes features like elastic elements and latching devices for enhanced safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple manual actuation mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and reliability deteriorate due to insufficient force transmission and imprecise control
Solution Approach 1:
The valve drive mechanism is segmented into multiple lever pairs (first lever pair and second lever pair), each with specific rotational joints (first, second, and third rotational joints). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each lever's function, improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs dynamic lever arms that rotate about fixed axes, transforming manual rotational input into controlled linear motion of the closure element. The dynamic configuration allows variable mechanical advantage throughout the stroke, enhancing operability without requiring excessive complexity
2Force
If a lever pair mechanism is introduced to improve force transmission, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two lever pairs are merged into a single integrated valve drive mechanism, where the first and second levers of each pair work together with shared rotational joints. This merging consolidates force transmission functions, achieving high force multiplication while avoiding the complexity of separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational joints serve as intermediaries that couple the lever pairs to each other and to the valve rod. These intermediary elements facilitate smooth force transmission between components, reducing the complexity of direct connections while maintaining effective force transfer
3Productivity
If the closure element moves quickly to bridge the middle actuation path, then the productivity increases, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to reduced control over closing position
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism provides dynamic control where the mechanical advantage varies continuously during the actuation cycle. In the middle range, the geometry allows rapid motion, while near the closed position, the lever angles naturally reduce speed, enabling quick operation without sacrificing sealing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism exploits changes in geometric parameters (lever angles, joint positions) throughout the actuation cycle. As the closure element approaches the closed position, the lever configuration naturally reduces velocity and increases force, achieving both high productivity and precise sealing through parameter variation
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 solution enables valves with improved kinematics for gentle sealing and rapid opening/closing, ensuring reliable actuation, precise repeat accuracy, and reduced risk of accidental operation, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
They enable an optimum transmission ratio and a pleasant feel
Implementation Method 2
the valve drive has a valve drive housing and at least one lever pair, preferably two lever pairs, wherein each lever pair has a first lever and a second lever
Implementation Method 3
Both the first lever and the second lever can be straight, but also curved or angled, e.g., C-shaped or V-shaped
Data Source
AI summary
A valve (1) having a valve rod (2) and a closure element (3), which is arranged on the valve rod (2), for closing a valve opening (4). The closure element (3) can be moved between a closing position and a maximum open position by the valve rod (2) solely in a linear manner in directions (5) that are parallel to the longitudinal extension (6) of the valve rod (2), and the valve (1) has a valve drive (7) with a handle (8) which can be actuated manually. The valve drive (7) has a valve drive housing (9) and at least one lever pair (10), and each lever pair (10) has a first lever (11) and a second lever (12).