Rotary Valve Lever-Arm Actuation for Fast High-Force Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary valve actuators are limited in actuation speed, force, and precision, particularly in high-pressure applications such as hydraulic fracturing blender units.
Innovation Solution
A rotary valve actuator system utilizing one or more linear actuators to pivot a lever arm attached to the valve shaft, providing fast valve closing times, high precision, and high force capabilities through a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional rotary actuators are used, then the valve can be actuated, but the actuation speed is limited and the force capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rotary actuator mechanism with a linear actuator system that converts linear motion to rotary motion through a lever arm and pivot mechanism. This substitution enables faster actuation speeds while maintaining high force capability, as linear actuators can deliver higher forces more quickly than traditional rotary actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotary motor to directly rotate the valve shaft, the invention inverts the approach by using a linear actuator to push a lever arm that pivots to rotate the shaft. This inverted mechanism allows the linear actuator's high force and speed capabilities to be effectively transferred to the rotary valve operation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional rotary actuators are used, then the valve can be actuated, but the precision of controlled actuation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including position indicators on the lever arm that provide visual feedback on valve position, and software programming that monitors and controls the linear actuator's movement. This feedback enables precise control of the valve actuation while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software programming to dynamically control the linear actuator's movement, enabling programmable stops and synchronized operation of multiple actuators. This dynamic control approach achieves high precision without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
3Productivity
If a lever arm with pivot mechanism is used, then fast valve closing and high force are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the linear actuator, lever arm, pivot mechanism, and valve shaft into an integrated assembly. The housing contains and protects all components, and the pivot mechanism is directly coupled to the valve shaft, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality.
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 system achieves faster valve actuation response times, higher force capabilities, precise control, and a compact form factor, addressing the limitations of conventional rotary valve actuators in demanding applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm, attached to the valve shaft, is pivotable, while the housing accommodates one or more linear actuators, allowing compliance with movement through the pivot mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for actuating rotating valves with fast closing times, high precision, and high force. The invention incorporates a lever arm attached to the valve shaft, accompanied by a housing for one or more cylinder-type linear actuators. A pivot mechanism allows the actuators to comply with movement. Multiple actuators can be attached to the lever arm's shaft, which pivots smoothly with the aid of a bearing. The housing securely bolts to the valve mounting flange, ensuring stability and alignment. A front guard with a position indicator window covers the lever arm, while a rear guard protects the actuators. By enabling longer and shorter strokes than the open and closed positions, multiple actuators can be precisely programmed and synchronized for optimal performance. This approach potentially improves valve actuation, offering enhanced speed, precision, and force for diverse fluid or slurry flow control applications.