Process Valve Drive Unit With Multifunctional Adapter Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process valve drive units require additional fastening elements and external cable routing, leading to increased assembly time, potential manipulation, and reduced accessibility, while lacking modular compatibility and integrated sensing and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit with an adapter that provides a control medium connection and fastening function, eliminating the need for additional fastening elements and external cable routing, and integrating position sensors, pressure measurement, and control devices within an accessory housing, allowing for a modular system with standardized interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fastening elements are used to secure the accessory housing, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the assembly time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides control medium connection (first and second connections) and simultaneously serves as a fastening element to secure the accessory housing to the drive housing. This eliminates the need for separate fastening elements, reducing assembly steps and time while maintaining reliable fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both connection functions (control medium flow) and fastening functions (securing the accessory housing). This universal design reduces the total number of parts needed and simplifies the assembly process while ensuring reliable fastening.
2Ease of operation
If external cable routing is used for valve connection and position control accessories, then the accessibility is improved, but the risk of manipulation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter integrates the control medium connection and accessory housing mounting into a single integrated structure. The accessory housing is directly mounted on the adapter, eliminating the need for external cable routing and separate mounting brackets, thereby reducing manipulation risks and device complexity while maintaining accessibility.
3Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are required for the accessory housing, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the cleanability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter integrates fastening and connection functions into a single component, creating a smoother surface without protruding fastening elements. This design eliminates crevices and complex geometries that trap contaminants, significantly improving cleanability in ultra-clean environments while maintaining reliable fastening through the integrated adapter structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standardized interface is implemented between actuator housing and accessory housing, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter provides a standardized interface that enables the accessory housing to be universally mounted on different actuator housings. This standardization improves adaptability and allows for modular system design, where the same adapter and accessory housing can work with multiple actuator types, facilitating easier replacement and customization.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An actuator unit (100) for a process valve is provided. This unit comprises an actuator housing (102) with at least one control medium connection; and an accessory housing (104), wherein at least one adapter (110a-b) is arranged at least partially in the accessory housing (104), wherein the at least one adapter (110a-b) comprises a first control medium connection which is connected to the at least one control medium connection of the actuator housing (104), wherein the at least one adapter (110a-b) comprises a second control medium connection which is accessible from outside the accessory housing (104), and wherein the at least one adapter (110a-b) defines the accessory housing (104) relative to the actuator housing (102).