Roller Lever Actuating Device Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roller-lever actuating devices for roller-lever valves are prone to damage due to high bending loads when the roller lever returns to its basic position, as it pivots back with significant kinetic energy, potentially causing structural stress and component damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an energy absorption device with spring means, such as a leaf spring, that brakes the roller lever during its backward pivoting movement, reducing kinetic energy and minimizing the risk of damage by absorbing energy over a short braking distance, thus reducing the stress on the components and allowing for effective end position damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the roller lever is allowed to pivot back freely to the basic position, then the operation speed is high and the response time is short, but the kinetic energy causes high bending loads on the stop pin and counterstop surface leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing an energy absorption device with a dampening element (such as a viscoelastic material or spring) positioned between the roller lever and the counterstop surface. This dampening element is pre-installed to absorb the kinetic energy of the roller lever before it reaches the basic position, preventing direct impact on the stop pin and counterstop surface. The energy absorption device activates automatically during the backward pivoting movement, cushioning the impact before damage can occur to the structural components.
2Reliability
If an energy absorption device is added to brake the roller lever, then the kinetic energy is reduced and component damage is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy absorption function with existing components of the roller lever actuating device. The dampening element is integrated into the bearing base or directly into the path of the roller lever, combining the energy absorption function with the structural support function of the bearing base. This merging approach allows the energy absorption device to be implemented as part of the existing structure rather than as a completely separate component, thereby reducing the overall device complexity while still providing effective kinetic energy absorption.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact energy absorption device is used, then the space required is minimized and the design is cost-effective, but the braking distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing materials with specific viscoelastic properties that allow for high energy absorption density. The dampening element is designed with optimized material parameters (such as loss factor, modulus of elasticity) that enable effective energy absorption over a very short distance. By changing the material parameters rather than increasing the dimensional parameters, the device achieves compact volume while maintaining sufficient braking distance for effective energy absorption.
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 energy absorption device effectively reduces the kinetic energy of the roller lever before it reaches its basic position, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring smooth operation by dissipating energy through a compact and cost-effective design, thereby enhancing the service life and reliability of the roller-lever actuating device.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an energy absorption device with spring means, such as a leaf spring, that brakes the roller lever during its backward pivoting movement, reducing kinetic energy and minimizing the risk of damage by absorbing energy over a short braking distance
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a roller lever actuating device (3) and to a roller lever valve (1) equipped therewith. The roller lever actuating device (3) has a supporting base (22) and a roller lever (27) that can be pivoted in relation to the supporting base (22). The roller lever (27) can be pivoted from a base position into an actuation position, wherein the roller lever actuates a valve element assembly (7) of the roller lever valve (1). In the case of the opposite backward pivoting motion (33b), the roller lever (27) is braked by energy-absorbing means (55) of an energy-absorbing device (56) such that hard impacts and correspondingly heavy loading of the structure of the roller lever actuating device (3) are avoided.