Self-Latching RV Gate Valve Actuator for Low-Force Manual Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gate valve designs for recreational vehicle sewage storage tanks require excessive force to actuate, are difficult to control, and are prone to being jarred open during travel, especially when located in hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A self-latching manual gate valve actuator with a support plate, linear sleeve, shaft, lever member, and locking mechanism that provides mechanical advantage, allows reversible configuration, and securely locks the valve in a closed position, reducing the force required for actuation and enhancing accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a T-handle is used for actuating the gate valve, then the valve can be operated manually, but excessive force is required and it is difficult to control once the valve begins to actuate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cam mechanism that transforms the rotational motion of the handle into linear motion of the gate with variable mechanical advantage. The cam profile is designed such that the mechanical advantage changes dynamically during the actuation cycle, providing maximum force multiplication at the beginning of stroke when most force is needed, and reducing force requirement as the gate approaches full opening or closing position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking mechanism that engages automatically during the actuation process, adding a constraint dimension to the system. This locking feature prevents the gate from moving unintentionally due to vehicle motion while allowing controlled actuation through the cam mechanism, effectively adding a safety dimension to the operation.
2Reliability
If the gate valve is secured in closed position, then accidental opening during travel is prevented, but the valve may be jarred open by forces imparted on the RV while traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the gate reaches the closed position, creating a preliminary counter-action against any forces that might jar the valve open during vehicle travel. The cam profile ensures that the locking mechanism is primed and ready to engage before vibrational or shock forces can cause unintended opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical advantage provided by the cam mechanism creates a cushioning effect during the final stages of gate closure, allowing the gate to settle gently into the locked position rather than being forced abruptly. This cushioning action protects the valve from shock loads that could cause it to jar open during subsequent vehicle motion.
3Volume of moving object
If the valve is placed in hard-to-reach locations, then space is optimized in the RV, but users have difficulty exerting enough leverage to actuate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic mechanical advantage that amplifies the user's input force, allowing a small handle rotation to produce large linear forces on the gate. This dynamic force multiplication enables users to operate valves in hard-to-reach locations without requiring excessive physical strength or leverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the gate valve actuation. It transforms a small rotational motion at the handle into a large linear displacement of the gate, providing force and motion amplification that makes remote or hard-to-reach valves easily operable.
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 actuator significantly reduces the force needed to operate the gate valve, provides optimal geometry for hard-to-reach locations, and securely retains the valve in a closed position, preventing accidental opening during travel.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring disposed upon the support plate in engagement with the cam such that the protrusion of the cam is forced towards the at least one aperture on the linear sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes a lever member including a first end, a second end, and a plurality of connection points. In some embodiments, the first end is rotatably attached to the support plate via at least one of the first plurality of connection points
Implementation Method 3
The actuator includes a shaft slidably arranged in the linear sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
An external actuator for manually operating a gate valve is described. The actuator includes a support plate, a linear sleeve, a shaft slidably arranged in the linear sleeve, a lever member, and a lever link. One end of the shaft is linked to a gate valve by way of a stem link, and a spring-loaded cam is provided on the support plate to releasably lock the shaft in a closed position.