Valve Actuator Selective Power Transmission Without Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve actuators for air conditioners face instability issues in harsh environments due to sensor instability and require separate PCBs for motor stop signals, leading to reduced durability and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator design that uses a gear assembly with a selective power transmitter, including a lift member or friction member to interrupt rotation after a predetermined angle, eliminating the need for electronic sensors and separate PCBs, thereby preventing over-torque damage and improving durability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic sensors and PCBs are used to control motor stop signals, then valve actuation control is achieved, but sensor instability in harsh environments reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensors and PCB-based motor stop signal control with a purely mechanical selective power transmitter system. The selective power transmitter uses mechanical components (gears, cam, follower) to detect valve position and automatically interrupt power transmission to the motor, eliminating electronic sensors and their instability issues in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical selective power transmitter is self-regulating and automatically interrupts power transmission when the valve reaches the predetermined position without requiring external electronic control signals. The mechanical follower detects the valve position and the cam mechanism automatically disengages the power transmission, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for separate PCB control circuits.
2Ease of operation
If separate PCB for motor stop signal is used, then motor control is achieved, but device complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor stop control function directly into the mechanical power transmission system by integrating the selective power transmitter with the gear assembly. The cam and follower mechanism are incorporated as integral parts of the gear assembly, eliminating the need for separate PCB control circuits and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical selective power transmitter performs multiple functions: it transmits power from the motor to the valve during actuation and simultaneously detects valve position to interrupt power transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control PCBs and integrates stopping control into the existing mechanical structure.
3Power
If continuous power transmission is maintained, then motor driving is ensured, but over-torque damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the cam mechanism with a predetermined disengagement position that corresponds to the valve's target position. Before over-torque damage can occur, the mechanical selective power transmitter proactively interrupts power transmission when the valve reaches the predetermined angle, preventing excessive force from damaging the gear assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The selective power transmitter applies preliminary anti-action by mechanically interrupting power transmission to the motor before over-torque conditions can develop. The cam and follower mechanism are designed to disengage at a predetermined position, creating a preventive counter-action that stops power transmission before harmful torque levels can damage the gear assembly.
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 solution enhances durability and driving stability by preventing over-torque damage and removing sensor instability, simplifying the design and reducing material costs by eliminating the need for electronic sensors and separate PCBs.
Implementation Method 1
a friction member provided at the output gear so as to brake the rotation of the first gear by contacting the first gear after the output gear is rotated at a predetermined angle
Data Source
AI summary
A valve actuator includes a motor and a gear assembly including an input gear rotated by driving force of the motor, an output gear receiving rotational force of the input gear, and at least one power transmission gear transmitting the rotational force of the input gear to the output gear. The valve actuator further includes a valve output shaft coupled to the output gear and actuated to close a path of a valve, and a selective power transmitter interrupting rotation of the output gear after the output gear is rotated at a predetermined angle by the rotational force of the input gear. After the valve is actuated to close the path, the driving force of the motor is not transmitted to the valve output shaft.