Sliding Clamp Mounting Plate for Actuator Yoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve/actuator assemblies often lack suitable built-in features for easily mounting different types of process control devices, leading to complex and time-consuming installation and removal processes using U-bolts, J-hooks, and other arrangements, which are costly and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus featuring a sliding clamp mechanism with opposed jaws or clamps that securely attach to the actuator yoke or support member using a single adjustable fastener, allowing for quick and secure mounting and removal of process control devices like positioners and volume boosters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements (U-bolts, J-hooks, plates) are used to mount process control devices to actuators, then the devices can be securely attached, but the installation and removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a mounting plate for receiving the process control device, and a clamp assembly with clamping fingers that independently engage the actuator yoke. This segmentation allows the mounting plate to be pre-assembled with the device while the clamp assembly provides quick attachment/detachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates a fastener that enables dynamic adjustment of the clamping force applied to the actuator yoke. The fastener can be quickly tightened to secure the mounting or loosened to enable rapid removal, providing adaptability between secure attachment and easy detachment states.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements (U-bolts, J-hooks, plates) are used to mount process control devices to actuators, then the devices can be securely attached, but the number of parts and complexity of the mounting arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate and clamp assembly are designed to work together as an integrated system. The mounting plate receives the process control device while the clamp assembly secures the mounting plate to the actuator yoke, combining multiple mounting functions into a unified apparatus that reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly with its clamping fingers is designed to engage with the actuator yoke in a universal manner that can accommodate different types of process control devices. The mounting plate provides a standardized interface that can receive various devices, making the overall apparatus versatile and adaptable to different mounting needs.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements (U-bolts, J-hooks, plates) are used to mount process control devices to actuators, then the devices can be securely attached, but the installation cost increases due to labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is pre-assembled with the process control device before installation on the actuator. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site installation time and labor requirements, as the device is already positioned and secured to the mounting plate prior to attachment to the actuator yoke.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus to mount process control devices to actuators are described. An example includes a mounting plate having a first side to receive the process control device and a second side opposite the first side, where the second side includes a first clamping finger extending away from the second side and configured to engage a first edge of an actuator yoke. The example apparatus also includes an elongated clamp arm having second and third clamping fingers adjacent respective ends of the elongated clamp arm, where each of the second and third clamping fingers is configured to engage a second edge of the actuator yoke opposite the first edge, and where the elongated clamp arm is slidably coupled to the mounting plate. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a fastener adjustable to cause the elongated clamp arm and the mounting plate to slide toward each other so that the first, second and third clamping fingers engage the respective edges of the yoke to fix the mounting plate relative to the yoke.