Modular Drive Rod With Force Sensing for Process Valve Drives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive rods for process tapping drives lack modularity and flexibility, making it difficult to adjust drive interfaces and accommodate different drive concepts without compromising design or requiring extensive reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A modular drive rod design comprising two sections: a first section with a drive interface and a first connection interface, and a second section with a second connection interface and integrated sensors for force feedback, allowing for interchangeable components and adaptable drive interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular drive rod design with separate first and second sections is implemented, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive rod is divided into a first section containing the drive interface and a second section containing the sensor, connected via connection interfaces. This segmentation allows independent design and optimization of each section, enabling different drive concepts (threaded, pneumatic, electric) to be implemented in the first section while using a standardized second section, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second section with the sensor is designed as a universal component that can be used across different drive rod configurations and drive concepts. The standardized connection interfaces allow the same second section to be attached to different first sections designed for various drive types, making the component multi-functional and reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the second section for force feedback, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated into the second section, merging the measurement function with the structural component. This combination eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting arrangements and signal transmission mechanisms, achieving precise force feedback while minimizing the increase in device complexity. The sensor becomes an inherent part of the drive rod structure rather than an add-on component.
3Ease of repair
If the drive rod is divided into modular sections with connection interfaces, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive rod is segmented into standardized sections with defined connection interfaces that enable easy assembly and disassembly. The first and second sections can be independently manufactured and then precisely connected through the interfaces, facilitating repair by replacing only the faulty section rather than the entire drive rod. The standardized interfaces ensure repeatable precision across multiple assembly cycles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different thread pitches are specified for threaded drives, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive interface in the first section is designed with local quality variations to accommodate different thread pitches and drive concepts. Each first section can be optimized for a specific drive type (e.g., M12x1.5 threaded, pneumatic, electric) while maintaining the same connection interface standard for attaching the second section. This allows adaptability at the drive interface level without propagating complexity throughout the entire drive rod system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A drive rod (10) for a process valve drive (300) is provided.The drive rod (10) comprises at least a first section (100) comprising a drive interface (130) by means of which at least a part of a drive force emanating from the process valve drive (300) can be introduced into the drive rod (10) for its movement along an actuating axis (S), and comprising a first connection interface (110); and at least a second section (200) comprising a second connection interface (210), wherein the second connection interface (210) together with the first connection interface (110) is configured for the rigid attachment of the at least one second section (200) to the first section (100), and wherein the second section (200) comprises at least one sensor (400) which is configured to generate a signal (S_400) which characterizes a force acting on the second section (200) along the actuating axis (S).