Modular Fluidic Valve Drive with Internal Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-actuated valve actuators face challenges in achieving high reliability, long service life, low maintenance, high user-friendliness, high power density, and low manufacturing and operating costs, while maintaining the advantages of fluid-actuated systems over electric ones.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluidic drive system comprising two opposing linear actuators and a mechanical converter, with a closed system design that includes self-closing shut-offs and integrated filter elements, allowing for decentralized pressurized fluid supply and easy maintenance, and the option for various actuator configurations to adapt to different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fluid-actuated valve actuators are used to achieve high power density and compactness, then the power-to-size ratio is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and user-friendliness decreases due to exposed fluid lines and complex servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the linear actuators, mechanical converter, and base unit into a single integrated drive system where all fluid connections are internal. This merging eliminates exposed fluid lines and complex maintenance requirements while maintaining the high power density of fluid-actuated systems, making the system as user-friendly as electric valve drives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the linear actuators are mounted on the mechanical converter, which is in turn mounted on the base unit. This nested arrangement consolidates all fluid connections within the internal structure of the drive system, eliminating external fluid lines while preserving the compact and powerful characteristics of fluid actuation.
2Ease of repair
If fluid connections are made accessible for servicing, then maintenance becomes possible, but reliability decreases due to potential fluid leakage and contaminant ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all fluid connections from the external environment and relocates them entirely within the internal structure of the drive system. By taking out exposed fluid lines and embedding all fluid pathways inside the sealed housing of the linear actuators and base unit, the system achieves high reliability without sacrificing maintainability, as all servicing can be performed through the sealed external interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with separate components is used, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connections and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into distinct functional modules (linear actuators, mechanical converter, base unit) that can be independently selected and configured for different applications. Each module has standardized interfaces that simplify assembly, reducing the overall complexity despite the modular architecture. This segmentation enables high adaptability while keeping the connection and assembly process straightforward.
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 provides a compact, powerful, and maintenance-free fluidic drive system that is user-friendly, equivalent to electric valve drives in maintenance aspects, while retaining the advantages of fluid-actuated systems, including high power density and dynamic safety functions, with reduced start-up costs and improved cleanliness in hydraulic applications.
Implementation Method 1
Said fluid connections can be equipped with self-closing shut-offs, especially in the area of the parting planes they pass through between said components, which prevent the escape of fluid or the unintentional ingress of contaminants along the parting planes
Implementation Method 2
In the area of the barriers, filter elements (e.g. in the form of filter bowls) can be provided, in particular integrated into them or connected to them to form a structural unit
Implementation Method 3
the base unit of the fluid-operated valve actuator according to the invention comprises a pressurized fluid supply unit. In the case of a hydraulically actuated valve actuator according to the present invention, such a pressurized fluid supply unit particularly preferably comprises a hydraulic unit fed from a tank with a pump driven by an electric motor
Implementation Method 4
a hydraulic unit fed from a tank with a pump driven by an electric motor
Implementation Method 5
In contrast, in the case of a pneumatically actuated valve actuator, the said pressurized fluid supply unit preferably comprises a pneumatic pump driven by an electric motor and sucking in ambient medium
Implementation Method 6
DE 9406760 U1 discloses a drive unit for fittings, particularly in shipbuilding. A housing is provided which encloses an electric motor, a pump driven by this, spreader elements and a hydraulic reservoir. The housing is connected to a swivel drive, which includes a piston with a rack and a shaft
Implementation Method 7
The actuating device comprises a housing with a shaft which is rotatably mounted therein and which can be coupled to the rotary shaft of the valve and has an associated pinion, with which the toothed rack of at least one linear actuator designed as a pneumatic cylinder meshes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid-actuated actuating drive (1) on a valve, in particular a shut-off, safety or regulating valve, comprising a base unit (2) having control valves, two linear actuators (6, 7) which are located opposite of each other and can be actuated fluidically, and a mechanical converter (5) which is arranged between the two linear actuators and couples the gates thereof to each other, wherein the outlet of the converter is coupled to the inlet of the valve. To this end, the actuating drive is composed in a modular manner of individual components joined to form a functional unit in the form of the base unit, the two linear actuators and the mechanical converter.