Modular Valve Actuator Interfaces for Faster Retrofit and Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve drive systems with locking devices or failsafes are designed as complete units, making it time-consuming to change, adapt, or replace individual components, which is inefficient for maintenance and retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A modular drive system comprising interchangeable valve drive modules with standardized interfaces and housings, allowing for flexible assembly and configuration of valve drive systems, including spring modules, rotary gear modules, and swivel modules, enabling easy assembly, maintenance, and adaptation to different valve types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If valve actuators are designed as complete integrated systems, then system reliability is improved, but ease of repair and adaptability deteriorate due to complex modification and replacement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuator system is divided into separate functional modules including drive module, gear module, spring module, and actuating module. Each module can be independently removed, replaced, or repaired without affecting the entire system, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining system reliability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized module interfaces enable universal compatibility across different valve actuator configurations. The same module types can be used in various applications and combined in different sequences to create customized valve drive systems, enhancing both adaptability and ease of repair.
2Reliability
If valve actuators are designed as complete integrated systems, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to complex modification procedures
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the actuator into independent modules with standardized interfaces, the system allows flexible reconfiguration for different valve types and applications. Modules can be selectively added, removed, or replaced to adapt the system without complex modification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables dynamic reconfiguration of the valve actuator system. Different module combinations can be assembled to match specific application requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining reliable operation through proven module designs.
3Reliability
If complete valve actuator systems are used, then functional completeness is improved, but loss of time increases during maintenance and replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular design allows maintenance personnel to work on only the specific module that requires attention rather than disassembling the entire actuator system. This significantly reduces maintenance time while preserving the functional completeness of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested as complete functional units before being installed in the field. This preliminary preparation allows for quick swap-out during maintenance operations, reducing on-site time requirements while ensuring functional completeness is maintained.
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
Facilitates quick assembly, maintenance, and adaptation of valve drive systems by allowing individual modules to be easily connected and rearranged, reducing assembly risks and enabling precise torque adjustments for safety positions, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is conventionally used to move the valve to a predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
The spring element can be preloaded in such a way that the spring torque delivered by the spring module lies within a value range that is limited by a maximum spring torque
Implementation Method 3
The emergency drive is designed as a roller spring motor and is coupled to the output shaft via a superposition gear
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The drive system according to the invention, consisting of valve actuator modules (12, 13, 14), serves to assemble and construct a modular valve actuator system (10). The valve actuator modules (12, 13, 14) of the drive system according to the invention can be variably connected to one another via their module interfaces (28, 35, 36, 38) to form a valve actuator system 10. The respective functional units are contained separately in the module housings (11, 31) of the valve actuator modules (10, 20, 30), which facilitates assembly.The drive system according to the invention comprises an electric drive module (13) with a drive module housing (20) on the underside (27) of which a module interface (28) is arranged; and an actuating module that can be attached to a fitting and is configured to convert an input-side rotary movement into an output-side movement with which the fitting can be actuated, wherein the fitting drive modules (12, 13, 14) can be connected to each other via their module interfaces (28, 35, 36, 38) to form a fitting drive system.