Pneumatic Valve Actuator With Elastic Element for Stable Flow Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pneumatic actuators face challenges in accurately and predictably controlling partial actuation due to variations in spring rate and friction resistance, leading to inconsistent flow capacity in valve systems over time or between valves.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastically deformable element with a high spring rate, which allows for adjustable flow capacity by compressing when increased pneumatic pressure is applied, enabling precise control of piston movement and valve opening beyond the initial actuated position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional spring biased pneumatic actuator is used for two-position operation, then the valve can be actuated between normal position and actuated position, but the flow capacity varies due to spring rate variations and friction resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow capacity consistencyVSAvoidpartial actuation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is modified to allow dynamic positioning of the piston beyond the traditional two-position operation. The elastically deformable element enables continuous adjustment of piston position based on applied pneumatic pressure, transforming the static two-position system into a dynamic multi-position system that can maintain consistent flow capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the spring system by introducing an elastically deformable element with high spring rate. This allows the system to operate in a regime where pressure-induced deformation of the elastic element provides predictable positional control, overcoming the inconsistencies caused by conventional spring rate variations and friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If valve component dimensional tolerances and wear are present, then manufacturing is easier and cost-effective, but flow capacity varies over time and between valves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve component toleranceVSAvoidflow capacity consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deformable element acts as a self-regulating feedback mechanism. As pneumatic pressure increases, the elastic element deforms in a predictable manner based on its high spring rate, automatically compensating for variations in component dimensions and wear. This creates a self-correcting system that maintains consistent flow capacity despite manufacturing tolerances and aging effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If an elastically deformable element with high spring rate is added to enable precise control, then flow capacity adjustment becomes predictable, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow capacity control precisionVSAvoidactuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deformable element serves as an intermediary between the pneumatic pressure source and the piston. Rather than directly controlling piston position through complex mechanical linkages or electronic controls, the elastic element mediates the relationship by translating pressure variations into precise positional changes through its high spring rate characteristics, simplifying the overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides predictable and incremental adjustments to flow capacity, ensuring uniformity across multiple valves and compensating for changes due to wear or deformation, thereby maintaining consistent fluid flow.

Implementation Method 1

A second fluid pressure, greater than the first fluid pressure, applied to the inlet port moves the piston against the elastically deformable element to compress the elastically deformable element to move the piston to a second actuated position beyond the first actuated position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The return spring is configured to apply a biasing force to the piston to move the piston to a spring return position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11542964B2Arrangements and methods for controlled flow rate of pneumatic actuated valves

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 SWAGELOK CO

AI summary

An actuator includes a housing defining an inlet port, a piston and a return spring disposed within the housing, and an elastically deformable element. The return spring is configured to apply a biasing force to the piston to move the piston to a spring return position. A first fluid pressure applied to the inlet port moves the piston against the biasing force of the return spring to a first actuated position in which the piston indirectly engages a stop portion of the actuator housing. A second fluid pressure, greater than the first fluid pressure, applied to the inlet port moves the piston against the elastically deformable element to compress the elastically deformable element to move the piston to a second actuated position beyond the first actuated position.