Portable Valve Operator With Bidirectional Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current valve exercising devices are cumbersome and difficult to use, particularly when dealing with stuck valves, as they require operators to switch directions frequently, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies due to the separation of user interfaces from machine operations and lack of effective torque management.

Innovation Solution

A portable valve operating device with a motor-driven key system, featuring dual throttles for clockwise and counter-clockwise direction control, a planetary gear system for torque adjustment, and a design that allows for manual operation with self-locking gears, enabling single-operator stability and reduced reaction forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a motorized valve turning machine is used to provide large torque for stuck valves, then the torque capability is improved, but the device becomes heavy and awkward requiring vehicle mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the gear system adjustable rather than fixed. The planetary gear mechanism can be reconfigured to provide different gear ratios, allowing the device to deliver high torque when needed for stuck valves while maintaining portability. The dynamic adjustment of gear ratios enables the operator to optimize between torque output and device portability based on the specific valve condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the user interface is located separate from the machine, then the machine structure is simplified, but the operator must perform substantial steps to configure and transfer data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine structureVSAvoidconfiguration steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the user interface with the machine body, integrating controls and displays directly into the portable valve operating device. This eliminates the need for separate interface equipment and reduces the number of configuration steps required. The integrated design allows the operator to control motor direction and speed, and to transfer data, all from the device itself without needing separate interface hardware or multiple configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the operator switches directions of key drive rotation to release stuck valves, then the ability to handle stuck valves is improved, but the operator must switch to opposite sides of the tool creating safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle stuck valvesVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through the motorized key drive system that automatically provides bidirectional rotation capability. The motor can be controlled to rotate the key drive in either direction without requiring the operator to physically reposition or manually reverse the mechanism. This self-contained bidirectional control eliminates the safety hazard of tool displacement while maintaining the ability to handle stuck valves effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Force

If a planetary gear system is used for torque adjustment, then the torque management capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque managementVSAvoidgear system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adjustable planetary gear system where the gear ratios can be changed based on operational needs. The planetary gears provide mechanical advantage for torque multiplication when encountering stuck valves, while the adjustability allows the operator to optimize the gear ratio for different valve sizes and conditions. This dynamic gear adjustment capability provides superior torque management compared to fixed-ratio systems, despite the increased complexity being offset by the portability and integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device enhances operational safety and efficiency by allowing single-operator control of valve rotation in both directions without needing to switch positions, reducing the risk of tool displacement and improving torque management for stuck valves.

Implementation Method 1

A motor is disposed within the housing. The motor includes a motor output shaft configured to drive at least one gear disposed within the housing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The at least one gear is configured to rotate a key extending substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis to engage a valve.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

A planetary gear system for torque adjustment, and a design that allows for manual operation with self-locking gears

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-locking mechanism through friction and geometry: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12129934B2Portable valve operating device for use in exercising valves
Publication Date: 2024.10.29 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US12129934B2 patent drawing
  • US12129934B2 patent drawing
  • US12129934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A valve operating device includes a defining a transverse axis extending from a first end to a second end. A motor is positioned within the housing. The motor includes a motor output shaft configured to drive at least one gear disposed within the housing. The at least one gear is configured to rotate a key extending substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis to engage a valve. A motor controller unit drives the motor in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction at a variable motor speed to deliver up to a torque limit. A user interface comprises a first motor activation throttle configured to drive the motor in the clockwise direction at a user-controlled speed when activated. A second motor activation throttle drives the motor at a user-controlled speed in the counter-clockwise direction when activated.