Pneumatic Valve Actuator Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatically drivable valve actuators lack sufficient safety mechanisms to prevent accidental actuation, which can lead to hazards, and mechanical locking devices often require customization and introduce inaccuracies in valve control.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically drivable actuator with a locking mechanism that mechanically locks the piston relative to the pressure chamber and includes a ventilation device to vent the drive gas, preventing pressurization, combined with a locking device that provides a secure, adjustable, and sealed connection to ensure safe valve positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking device is arranged between the actuator and the valve body, then the valve can be locked in a predetermined position, but the locking device requires customization for each valve axle diameter and introduces mechanical play that reduces control accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the external locking device between actuator and valve body, and instead locked directly at the piston level within the actuator itself. This eliminates the need for external locking devices that require customization for different valve axle diameters and removes the mechanical play introduced by such external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves as an intermediary element that integrates both the actuation function and the locking function. By locking the piston directly within the pressure chamber, the system uses the piston itself as the mediator for both movement and positioning, eliminating the need for separate external locking mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If drive gas is supplied to the pressure chamber while the piston is locked, then pressurization can occur, but this may cause damage to the locking mechanism or actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation channel is pre-configured to automatically vent drive gas when the piston is in the locked position. This preliminary anti-action prevents pressurization from occurring in the first place by providing a continuous escape path for any gas that might accidentally be supplied to the pressure chamber while locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation channel, which could be seen as a limitation on pressure buildup, is actually converted into a safety feature that prevents damage. Any accidental drive gas supply is redirected through the ventilation channel, converting a potentially harmful pressurization event into a harmless venting operation.
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
The solution enhances safety by preventing accidental actuation and maintaining accurate valve control, reducing the risk of damage and improving safety through a secure, adjustable locking mechanism that vents the drive gas, even when gas is accidentally applied.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation device for venting the drive gas from the pressure chamber while the piston is mechanically locked relative to the pressure chamber, such that pressurization of the pressure chamber is prevented
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a pneumatically drivable actuator for setting a position of a valve closure element in a valve, comprising a piston, which is moveable in a pressure chamber by influence of a drive gas, and a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the piston relative to the pressure chamber. The actuator further comprises a ventilation device for venting the drive gas from the pressure chamber while the piston is mechanically locked relative to the pressure chamber, such that pressurization of the pressure chamber is prevented.A method of locking a valve closure element relative to a valve body of a valve that is controllable by a pneumatically driven actuator is also disclosed.