Modular Linear Valve With Quick-Disconnect Actuator Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuated valves require separate designs and stockages for mechanical and hydraulic/pneumatic actuation systems, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and slower customer response times due to the need for multiple valve types and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular linear actuated valve design featuring a lower body module that can interface with interchangeable upper actuator modules, including mechanical and fluid actuator modules, using a quick disconnect mechanism to simplify conversion between actuator types, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and improving response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate valve designs are used for mechanical and hydraulic actuation, then each actuator type can be optimized for its specific function, but manufacturing complexity increases and inventory requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two independent modules: a standardized body module containing the valve mechanism and an actuator module that can be attached or detached. This segmentation allows the body to remain uniform across all valve types while permitting specialized actuators to be attached as needed, thereby optimizing each actuator type without increasing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body module is designed with universal interface features that can accommodate multiple types of actuators (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic). This multi-functionality allows a single body design to serve all actuator types, eliminating the need for separate valve designs while maintaining actuator-specific optimization through interchangeable actuator modules
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve types are manufactured and stocked for different actuator requirements, then customer specific needs can be met, but response time to customer orders decreases due to inventory management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized valve body module can be paired with different actuator modules to meet various customer requirements. This universality allows the manufacturer to maintain a simplified inventory of body modules while offering customized actuator combinations, thereby maintaining adaptability to customer needs while significantly reducing inventory management complexity and improving order response time
Solution Approach 2:
The valve configuration is made dynamic through the ability to quickly attach and detach different actuator modules from the standardized body. This dynamic reconfigurability allows rapid adaptation to different customer orders without requiring pre-stocking of multiple valve types, thus improving response time while maintaining versatility
3Productivity
If a quick disconnect mechanism is implemented between body and actuator modules, then conversion between actuator types is accelerated, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into standardized interface features on both the body module and actuator module. These segmented interfaces include alignment features, engagement elements, and sealing components that can be quickly connected and disconnected. The segmentation allows for rapid conversion while keeping each interface element relatively simple and manufacturable
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a modular linear actuated valve having a lower body module that can interface with an interchangeable upper linear actuator module being at least one of a mechanical linear actuator module and a fluid linear actuator module. The invention includes a quick disconnect between the body module and any of the actuator modules. An actuator assembly on the selected actuator module can be coupled to the valve stem on the lower body module using a quick disconnect segment on the actuator module and a reciprocal quick disconnect segment on the body module. A valve can be quickly converted into a mechanical linear actuated valve or a fluid linear actuator valve, simplifying manufacturing and stocking, and providing a faster response to customer orders.