Shutoff Valve Actuator Stabilizer for Vibration-Induced False Tripping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Shutoff valves in fluid supply systems for internal combustion engines, particularly those operating in environments with combustible gases, face reliability issues due to vibration and temperature extremes, leading to performance degradation and false tripping over time.

Innovation Solution

A vibration-limiting stabilizer system for the electrical valve actuator, comprising a fitting, strongarm, and clamp, which secures the solenoid subassembly to the valve housing, reducing deflections and wear by providing a robust support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrical valve actuator is supported by the valve housing, then the actuator is stable and reliable, but vibrations and wear on the solenoid subassembly increase over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator reliabilityVSAvoidvibrations and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilizer as an intermediary component between the valve housing and the solenoid subassembly. This stabilizer includes a fitting coupled to the valve housing and a strongarm extending to the solenoid subassembly, which acts as a mediator to reduce vibration transmission and wear while maintaining actuator stability and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the solenoid subassembly is securely mounted to reduce vibrations, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve actuator reliabilityVSAvoidactuator support structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the actuator support structure into separate functional components: a fitting coupled to the valve housing, a strongarm extending to the solenoid subassembly, and a clamp for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 stabilizer system minimizes vibrations and wear on the solenoid subassembly, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the shutoff valves by reducing false tripping and performance degradation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical valve actuator extending through the actuator bore. The electrical valve actuator includes a solenoid subassembly supported by the valve housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS11566592B2Fluid supply system having shutoff valve with stabilized electrical valve actuator
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US11566592B2 patent drawing
  • US11566592B2 patent drawing
  • US11566592B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fluid supply system for a machine such as an internal combustion engine includes a shutoff valve having an electrical actuator that includes a solenoid subassembly, and a stabilizer for the electrical valve actuator. The stabilizer includes a fitting structured to couple the shutoff valve to adjacent hardware in the fluid supply system, and a strongarm extending between the fitting and the solenoid assembly and clamped to the solenoid subassembly. A vibration-damping reinforced grommet may be clamped between the solenoid subassembly and the clamp.