Electric Motor Valve Closure Telescopic Bracket Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve closure systems for gas-containing vessels face challenges such as the unavailability of compressed air as a power source, the need for a compact and lightweight design, and difficulties in achieving proper registration between the motor coupling and valve stem during installation, which can be inconvenient and affect the ease of use and durability of the system.
Innovation Solution
A novel valve closure system featuring a compact, lightweight, and durable design with a jogging switch on the electric motor housing to facilitate proper circumferential registration of the motor coupling with the valve stem, along with a telescopic engagement mechanism for easy installation and removal, and a planetary gear drive for torque amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electric motor is used instead of compressed air to operate the valve closure system, then the system can operate in environments where compressed air is not available, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional mounting and alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor assembly is designed with self-aligning features including a telescopic bracket that automatically positions the motor coupling in proper alignment with the valve stem during installation, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and reducing overall system complexity despite using electricity instead of compressed air
Solution Approach 2:
A telescopic bracket serves as an intermediary component between the motor assembly and the valve body, providing automatic alignment and positioning functions that simplify the overall mounting process while enabling operation in environments where compressed air is unavailable
2Ease of operation
If a compact and lightweight design is implemented, then the ease of installation and removal is improved, but the torque amplification capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is nested within a compact housing that contains the planetary gear drive, allowing the torque amplification mechanism to be integrated within a small footprint. This nested arrangement maintains high torque capability while keeping the overall device compact and lightweight for easy installation and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The valve closure system is divided into modular segments including a separate motor assembly, bracket, and valve body, allowing each component to be optimized independently. The motor assembly with integrated planetary gears provides compact torque amplification, while the modular design enables easy installation and removal without compromising force capability
3Reliability
If proper circumferential registration between motor coupling and valve stem is achieved through manual alignment, then the reliability of operation is improved, but the time and difficulty of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic bracket is pre-configured with alignment features that automatically guide the motor coupling into proper circumferential registration with the valve stem during the installation process. This preliminary alignment configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment while ensuring reliable operational alignment
Solution Approach 2:
Manual alignment procedures are replaced with a mechanical self-aligning telescopic bracket mechanism that automatically achieves proper circumferential registration between the motor coupling and valve stem, reducing installation time while maintaining operational reliability
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 system allows for convenient and secure installation and removal of the valve closure system, ensuring proper alignment and engagement with the valve stem, while providing the necessary torque and durability for reliable operation, even in environments where compressed air is not readily available.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear drive for torque amplification
Data Source
AI summary
A valve closure system (30) for operating a valve (32) of a fluid-holding cylinder (CYL) between an open and a closed position to allow and disallow communication of the interior of the cylinder through the valve. A coupler (118) engages and rotates a stem (40) of the valve. An electric motor (92) rotates the coupler. A square tube (102) on the motor housing surrounds the coupler. A bracket (50) mounts on the valve body. The parts (50, 102) have respective walls shaped to mutually telescopically engage when, with bracket (50) mounted on the valve, the motor housing has been properly circumferentially and axially aligned with the bracket and then advanced to move the coupler toward engagement with the valve stem. The parts (50, 102) may be pinned together by a hitch pin (54).