Multi-Chamber Actuator for Independent Valve Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuators for fluid control devices with multiple fluid flow control members lack the capability to independently control multiple rotary valve members, particularly in configurations involving three or more valve openings, and do not efficiently manage complex fluid flow control systems.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a housing with multiple chambers containing actuator assemblies that allow for independent movement of rotary and linear actuator stems, utilizing diaphragm plates and pressure differences to control fluid flow through multiple valve openings in three-way and four-way valves, enabling independent rotational and axial movement of valve plugs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used to control multiple fluid flow control members, then the capability to control multiple valve openings is improved, but the device complexity and system length increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to control multiple valve openingsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuator assemblies into a single integrated actuator device with a common housing. Multiple actuators share the same housing structure and can be positioned in different chambers within the housing, allowing them to control multiple valve openings while reducing overall system complexity and space requirements compared to using separate actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator housing serves multiple functions: it contains multiple actuator assemblies, provides mounting structures for the actuators, and accommodates different types of actuators (rotary and linear) within the same device. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple actuators are spaced apart in lateral direction, then independent control of multiple valve members is achieved, but the system length and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of valve membersVSAvoidsystem length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of spacing actuators apart in the lateral direction, the patent positions multiple actuator assemblies within different chambers of the housing in a compact arrangement. The actuators can be arranged vertically or in overlapping configurations, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the housing rather than extending the system laterally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If actuators operate in linear configuration, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the capability to control rotary valve members is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to control rotary valve membersVSAvoidactuator configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator housing is designed to accommodate both rotary and linear actuator assemblies within the same device. The housing includes multiple chambers that can receive different types of actuators, allowing the system to control both rotary and linear valve members with a single integrated actuator device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration reduces system complexity and length by allowing independent control of multiple fluid flow control members, enhancing the capability to manage fluid flow through multiple orifices in rotary and linear configurations, thereby improving the efficiency of fluid control systems.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing diaphragm plates and pressure differences to control fluid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2742267B1Actuators for use with fluid control devices having multiple fluid flow control members

Publication Date: 2015.10.07 FISHER CONTROLS INT LLC

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AI summary

Actuators for use with fluid control devices having multiple fluid flow control members are disclosed. An apparatus includes a housing (212) including a first chamber (216) and a second chamber (218). The apparatus also includes a first actuator assembly (220) at least partially positioned in the first chamber. The first actuator assembly includes a first stem (226) to be coupled to a first flow control member (204) of a valve. The first flow control member is to control fluid flow through a first flow aperture. The apparatus also includes a second actuator assembly (222) at least partially positioned in the second chamber. The second actuator assembly includes a second stem (238) to be coupled to a second flow control member (206) of the valve. The second flow control member to control fluid flow through a second flow aperture, the first stem independently moveable relative to the second stem.