Self-Latching Shaft Connector for Misaligned Valve Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In valve apparatuses, the process of connecting and disconnecting an actuator from a valve stem is often difficult and time-consuming, requiring misalignment and the use of additional tools due to the need for precise alignment of the actuator's latching mechanism with the valve's protrusion.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning and self-latching mechanical shaft connector system comprising an actuator adapter plug with a conical protrusion and peripheral groove, and a valve adapter sub-assembly with an expansion spring, which allows for radial pressure and latching onto the groove, enabling easy and tool-free connection and disconnection by compensating for axis offset errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latching mechanism is used to connect the actuator to the valve stem, then the connection is secure, but the connection and disconnection process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring misalignment and additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables self-alignment through the conical protrusion that automatically guides the actuator adapter plug into the correct position relative to the valve adapter sub-assembly, eliminating the need for manual alignment tools and procedures while maintaining secure connection through the expansion spring latching mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for the latching mechanism, then the connection is secure, but the connection process requires additional tools and time
Solution Approach 1:
The conical protrusion provides a curved guiding surface that automatically aligns the actuator adapter plug with the valve adapter sub-assembly during insertion, compensating for axis offset errors and eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The conical protrusion performs the alignment function preliminarily during the insertion process itself, so that by the time the expansion spring engages the peripheral groove for latching, the components are already properly aligned, eliminating the need for separate alignment steps
3Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism is used to ensure secure connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate but complementary components: the actuator adapter plug with the conical protrusion and peripheral groove, and the valve adapter sub-assembly with the expansion spring. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple, focused function while together providing secure latching
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion spring acts as an intermediary element between the conical protrusion and the peripheral groove, providing the latching force through radial pressure while allowing for easy insertion and removal, thus securing the connection without requiring a complex direct engagement mechanism
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 facilitates quick and effortless attachment and detachment of the actuator to the valve without the need for additional tools, reducing the time and effort required for connection and ensuring secure engagement through self-alignment and latching mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion spring placed within the outer housing. The expansion spring can provide radial pressure toward the axis of the outer housing to receive the conical protrusion and latch onto the peripheral groove of the actuator adapter plug
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a self-aligning connector system for connecting an actuator to a valve body of a valve, comprising an actuator adapter plug having a conical protrusion and a peripheral groove formed in an outer surface of the actuator adapter plug, and a valve adapter sub-assembly comprising an outer housing having a bore configured to receive the actuator adapter plug, and an expansion spring coupled to the outer housing and configured to provide radial pressure on the outer housing to receive the conical protrusion of the actuator adapter plug and latch onto the peripheral groove.