Valve Operating Nut Protector Guide Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground valve systems face issues with the riser pipe shifting or becoming misaligned during construction or ground settlement, leading to potential damage of the operating nut and stem connecting it to the valve actuator.
Innovation Solution
A two-part assembly comprising a protective guide assembly and a mounting assembly is used to align and protect the operating nut, ensuring the riser pipe remains aligned over the nut, with a hollow guide structure that accommodates tool access and allows for ground movement, attached to both the mounting collar and actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the riser pipe is installed to provide access to the operating nut, then access to the valve is enabled, but the riser pipe may shift or misalign during construction or ground settlement, causing damage to the operating nut
Solution Approach 1:
A protective guide assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the riser pipe and the operating nut. This guide assembly includes a guide structure that the riser pipe fits over, providing a protective interface that prevents direct contact and potential damage between the riser pipe and the operating nut while maintaining alignment and access functionality
2Ease of operation
If the guide structure is made hollow to accommodate tool access, then tool access is enabled, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is designed with a hollow cylindrical configuration that provides sufficient structural strength while maintaining the necessary openness for tool access. The hollow design allows tools to pass through from the ground surface to operate the valve, while the cylindrical form factor maintains structural integrity to protect the operating nut
3Reliability
If the guide structure length is increased to accommodate ground movement, then alignment stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is designed with sufficient length to accommodate expected ground movement and settlement, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to changing ground conditions. The protective guide assembly is positioned and dimensioned to maintain alignment stability while accommodating natural ground movement without requiring excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A protective assembly for an operating nut of an actuator for a valve in an underground pipe system is comprised of a guide assembly and a mounting assembly. A riser pipe is used to access the operating nut from above ground. The protective assembly maintains alignment of the riser pipe at installation and as the ground shifts over time. The guide assembly is formed of a guide structure and a mounting collar that juts outwardly from the guide structure forming a flange. The mounting assembly has a first portion for attaching the mounting assembly to the flange, and a second portion for attaching the mounting assembly to the actuator.