Rotational Valve Actuation With Spring-Loaded Electrohydraulics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydraulic systems with process valves cannot effectively transmit torque to rotationally operable valves, especially in situations with space constraints or underwater applications, limiting their reliability and operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An electrohydraulic system with a pretensioning means comprising an elastic element, such as a spring, that is fixedly connected to the actuating shaft, allowing stored energy to be converted into rotational movement for valve adjustment, enabling rapid and fail-safe closure of rotationally operable valves without electric batteries, using a hydraulic motor or spindle drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear displacement mechanism is used to reset the actuating element, then the actuating element can be reset in the event of a fault, but it is not possible to transmit torque to the valve and the mechanism is not suitable for closing a rotationally operable valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional linear reset mechanism by using a rotational spring element that directly applies torque to the actuating shaft. Instead of converting rotational valve closure into linear piston movement, the spring element rotates along with the actuating shaft and provides direct rotational force, making the system suitable for rotationally operable valves while maintaining fault reset capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex linear displacement mechanism with a simpler rotational elastic element. The spring element stores mechanical energy in rotational form and directly couples to the actuating shaft, eliminating the need for linear-to-rotational conversion mechanisms and enabling direct torque transmission to the valve
2Ease of operation
If conventional electrohydraulic systems are used with space constraints or underwater applications, then the system can operate, but it cannot effectively transmit torque to rotationally operable valves and requires electric batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric battery component from the system entirely, replacing it with a mechanical energy storage solution. The spring element stores the necessary energy mechanically, eliminating the need for batteries and their associated complexity, while improving reliability in underwater applications where batteries are problematic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic actuating means that converts hydraulic pressure into rotational movement of the actuating shaft. The hydraulic system works in conjunction with the spring element to provide reliable torque transmission to the rotationally operable valve, especially in underwater environments where hydraulic systems excel
3Device complexity
If the elastic element is arranged coaxially with the actuating shaft, then the structure is simple, but the torque transmission to the actuating shaft is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where the spring element is positioned offset from the actuating shaft axis rather than coaxially. This asymmetric positioning creates a lever arm that enables effective torque transmission when the spring element rotates, while maintaining relatively simple overall structure. The offset arrangement is essential for converting the spring's elastic energy into rotational torque on the actuating shaft
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 provides a compact, reliable, and long-lasting solution for rotating process valves, ensuring safe and reliable operation for up to 25 years, even in underwater environments, without the need for electric batteries, and can be easily replaced or operated by external actuators.
Implementation Method 1
the energy stored in the pre-tensioning means can be transmitted to the actuating means in the event of a fault such that a rotational movement of the actuating means is initiated
Implementation Method 2
The elastic element is in particular formed with a metal. It has in particular an outer shape which can be modified elastically... The elastic element is arranged adjacent to the actuating shaft... and exerts a torque on the actuating shaft
Implementation Method 3
using a hydraulic motor or spindle drive
Data Source
AI summary
An electrohydraulic system having an adjustment device for a valve includes a drive apparatus, a control apparatus, and a preloading apparatus. In the event of a fault, the energy stored in the preloading apparatus can be transferred to the control apparatus such that a rotational motion of the control apparatus begins, which leads to the adjustment of the valve. The preloading apparatus comprises at least one elastic element, which is arranged adjacent to a control shaft of the control apparatus, is stationarily connected to the control shaft, and applies a torque to the control shaft.