Rotating Seal Actuating Unit for Process Valve Variants
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high diversity of actuating units and process valves required for different applications leads to increased manufacturing expenditures due to the need for various variants, including normally closed, normally open, switching, and control valves, which complicates production logistics and stockkeeping.
Innovation Solution
An actuating unit with a pilot valve unit and a removable seal that can take up different fitting positions by rotation, allowing the same components to create multiple valve variants without increasing manufacturing costs, and addressing the issue of channel crossover by guiding pressure fluid lines offset within the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve variants (NC, NO, switching, control) are produced to meet different application requirements, then the adaptability and versatility of the product line is improved, but the manufacturing expenditures and production logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuating unit design serves multiple valve functions (NC, NO, switching, control) through optional component combinations. The basic actuating unit can be configured with or without spring elements, with different piston rod arrangements, and with adjustable stroke limits to achieve various valve behaviors, eliminating the need for completely separate product lines for each valve type.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit incorporates adjustable and configurable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different application requirements. Stroke limits are adjustable, spring preloads can be modified, and the pilot valve characteristics can be selected to match specific process requirements, enabling one base design to serve multiple functional roles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve variants are produced to meet different application requirements, then the adaptability and versatility of the product line is improved, but the production logistics and stockkeeping complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit employs a universal base design that can be configured for different valve types through optional components and adjustments. This reduces the number of unique part numbers and simplifies production planning, scheduling, and inventory management compared to maintaining separate production lines for each valve variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit is divided into modular components (pilot valve, piston assembly, spring elements, sealing elements) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular approach allows for standardized production of core components that can be combined in different configurations, simplifying logistics and stockkeeping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure fluid lines are routed to switch between pressure chambers, then the functionality for different valve types is achieved, but the risk of channel crossover and fluid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pilot valve serves as an intermediary control element that manages the switching of pressure fluid to the main piston. The pilot valve provides a controlled, low-pressure interface that safely directs fluid flow without requiring the main pressure lines to physically cross or switch directly, thereby maintaining sealing integrity and preventing leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot valve is nested within the actuating unit housing, with its own sealed fluid circuit. This nested arrangement allows the pilot valve to control the main piston through a compact, integrated design where fluid paths are contained within separate sealed zones, eliminating the need for crossing channels and preventing fluid migration between circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating unit for a process valve is described, which comprises a pilot valve unit, a separate removable seal arranged between two parts through which a fluid can flow, and a piston configured for the adjustment of the process valve. The seal has through openings for the passage of fluid, and the adjacent parts have holes, such that different holes are in fluid communication with each other via the through openings or are fluidically separated due to an intermediate wall portion of the seal depending on the fitting position of the seal. A process valve having such an actuating unit is furthermore described.