Linear Metering Valve Locking Mechanism for Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric linear metering valves face reliability issues due to weakly reversible operation, misalignment during assembly, and potential damage from high forces required for valve alignment, necessitating electrical driving and specialized assembly procedures.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism is introduced that allows manual positioning of the valve beyond its useful stroke using a protrusion or groove combination, enabling reversible locking and unlocking with motor torque, facilitating assembly and operation without mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to enable manual positioning beyond useful stroke, then ease of assembly and operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables preliminary manual positioning of the valve stem beyond its useful stroke before final assembly. The protrusion-groove locking features allow the valve to be pre-positioned in an open state, facilitating risk-free assembly without requiring specialized procedures or worrying about mechanical interference during the assembly process.
2Reliability
If electrical driving is used to overcome friction and return torque, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-releasing through the interaction of the protrusion and groove features. When the valve stem is manually positioned beyond its useful stroke and the actuator is reattached, the spring force automatically causes the valve to move, and the protrusion-groove features engage and disengage accordingly, eliminating the need for electrical driving to overcome friction and return torque.
3Manufacturing precision
If valve positioning is constrained during assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables preliminary manual positioning of the valve stem beyond its useful stroke before final assembly. The protrusion-groove locking features allow the valve to be pre-positioned in an open state, facilitating risk-free assembly without requiring specialized procedures or worrying about mechanical interference during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion and groove features act as intermediary elements that facilitate the positioning and locking of the valve stem. These features mediate between the manual positioning action and the final assembled state, allowing precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.
4Manufacturing precision
If high forces are applied during assembly for alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables preliminary manual positioning of the valve stem beyond its useful stroke before final assembly. The protrusion-groove locking features allow the valve to be pre-positioned in an open state, facilitating risk-free assembly without requiring specialized procedures or worrying about mechanical interference during the assembly process.
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
Enables risk-free manual assembly and operation of the valve, reducing component stress and simplifying installation and maintenance by allowing purely linear or helical force application, with controlled operation and reduced risk of mechanical damage.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (1) having a stator and a rotor driving a central shaft (2)
Implementation Method 2
a return device (20) to the reference position of said central shaft (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a linear metering valve comprising an electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor (6) driving a moving central shaft (2) in the axial direction thereof of the rotor and bearing at its end a valve (4), said metering valve further comprising a return device (5) for returning to a reference position of said central shaft, said return device having a valve locking device (10, 20) connected to the central shaft (2), in a position situated beyond the useful metering stroke thereof.