Piezoelectric Linear Valve Drive Idle Stroke Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear valve drives for normally closed valves face challenges in compensating for changes in length due to temperature and service life effects, requiring complex mechanisms and adjustments that complicate the mechanical structure and idle stroke management.
Innovation Solution
A simplified linear valve drive design where the piezoelectric actuator is supported on one end, allowing for a straightforward actuating device that adjusts the idle stroke by varying the clearance between movable parts, enabling compensation for length changes without reversing force directions, and incorporating a pulling sleeve and spring system for homogeneous force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex actuating mechanism with lever devices is used to transmit force from the piezoelectric actuator to the valve closure element, then the valve can be actuated, but the mechanical structure becomes complicated and the idle stroke adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex lever devices and force-reversing mechanisms from the actuating mechanism. Instead, it uses a simplified pulling sleeve that directly transmits the pulling force from the piezoelectric actuator to the valve closure element along the axial direction, eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining actuation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling sleeve serves as an intermediary component between the piezoelectric actuator and the valve closure element. It directly transmits the pulling force axially without requiring complex lever mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall mechanical structure while ensuring reliable force transmission for valve actuation
2Reliability
If clearance is provided in the actuating device to compensate for length changes, then temperature and service life effects can be accommodated, but the idle stroke becomes difficult to control and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the idle stroke dynamically adjustable through the pulling sleeve mechanism. The pulling sleeve can be positioned at different locations along the axial direction, allowing the idle stroke to be adapted to compensate for length changes due to temperature or service life effects, while maintaining controllable adjustment rather than fixed clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of the idle stroke parameter by changing the position of the pulling sleeve. This allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and compensate for length changes while maintaining precise control over the idle stroke, rather than relying on fixed clearances that are difficult to adjust
3Ease of operation
If lever devices are used to reverse the direction of force from the piezoelectric actuator, then the valve closure element can be actuated, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using lever devices to reverse the direction of force, the patent inverts the approach by having the piezoelectric actuator directly generate and transmit pulling force in the correct axial direction. The actuator pulls the pulling sleeve, which in turn pulls the valve closure element open, eliminating the need for force direction reversal mechanisms
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 design allows for adjustable idle stroke compensation, ensuring reliable valve operation by adapting to changes in length, simplifying the mechanical structure, and eliminating the need for complex lever mechanisms, thus maintaining consistent opening and closing behavior.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator which is arranged within the drive housing, by means of which the valve closure element can be displaced in the axial direction between an open position and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A linear valve drive for connection to a valve body which has a valve seat is described, wherein said linear valve drive comprises a drive housing, a valve closure element and a piezoelectric actuator which is arranged within said drive housing. Said valve closure element is displaceable in the axial direction between an open position and a closed position by means of said piezoelectric actuator and an interposed actuating device. Said piezoelectric actuator is supported on said actuating device via its side directed towards the valve closure element. Said linear valve drive comprises an adjusting device which is configured such that an idle stroke of said linear valve drive is adjustable. A valve is also described.