Motorized Valve Spring-Assisted Closure and Rotatable Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized valves face challenges in size, energy consumption, and maintenance due to the need for powerful motors to overcome fluid pressure, and visibility issues with status indicators in certain configurations.
Innovation Solution
The use of pre-stressed elastic return members, such as helical springs, to assist in closing the valve, reducing motor power and size, combined with rotatable motor heads and multiple status light indicators for improved visibility and connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor is made powerful enough to overcome fluid pressure for valve closure, then the valve can achieve reliable closed position, but the motor size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic return element (spring) is introduced as an intermediary component between the motor and the flapper. The spring assists the motor in closing the valve by providing additional force, allowing the motor to be smaller while maintaining reliable closure against fluid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return element acts as a counterforce mechanism, storing and releasing mechanical energy to assist valve closure. The spring is pre-stressed to provide closing force that counteracts the fluid pressure, reducing the burden on the motor.
2Ease of operation
If the status indicator is prominently positioned on top of the valve head for visibility, then maintenance becomes easier, but the power connector placement is blocked and connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the power connector from the top surface (where it would conflict with the indicator) to the side surface of the valve head. This dimensional relocation resolves the spatial conflict between indicator visibility and connector accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connection terminals are placed on the side of the valve, then connector placement flexibility improves, but the terminals may not be optimally oriented relative to cable origin
Solution Approach 1:
The valve head is made rotatable relative to the valve body through a rotating mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the head (with its side-mounted terminals) to be rotated during installation to achieve optimal cable routing and connection orientation, combining side-mounting flexibility with orientation adaptability.
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
This solution reduces motor power and size, lowers energy consumption, simplifies installation and maintenance, and enhances indicator visibility, resulting in a more compact, efficient, and practical motorized valve.
Implementation Method 1
the flapper is stressed against its seat by at least one pre-stressed elastic return element, assisting in closing
Implementation Method 2
an actuating rod driven by an electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor-driven valve (1) comprising an actuating rod (15) driven by an electric motor (5) and connected to a mobile flap (8) that can assume an open position and a closed position where the flap rests on a seat (10) against the pressure of a liquid, characterised in that the flap (8) is pressed against its seat (10) by at least one pre-stressed elastic return member (60; 61) for assisted closing.