Shutoff Valve Solenoid Stabilizer for Vibration and False Tripping
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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 in the shutoff valve, comprising a fitting coupled to the valve housing, a strongarm extending between the fitting and the solenoid subassembly, and a clamp clamping the strongarm to the solenoid subassembly, which includes a vibration-damping grommet to minimize deflections and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electrical valve actuator is directly mounted on the valve housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to vibration and temperature extremes causing performance degradation and false tripping
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizer assembly acts as an intermediary component between the valve housing and the electrical valve actuator. This stabilizer includes a stabilizer body with mounting features and a stabilizer arm that couples to the actuator, serving as a mediator that isolates the actuator from direct exposure to harsh conditions while maintaining structural connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer assembly provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating vibration-damping features and flexible couplings that protect the electrical valve actuator from vibration and temperature extremes before these environmental factors can cause performance degradation or false tripping.
2Ease of manufacture
If the solenoid subassembly is positioned outside the valve housing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to vibration and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer body serves as an intermediary structure that mounts the solenoid subassembly outside the valve housing while providing structural support and stability. The stabilizer arm acts as a connecting mediator that maintains the actuator's positional stability despite its external positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid subassembly is positioned in a different spatial dimension (outside the valve housing) while the stabilizer assembly provides the necessary structural framework to maintain stability in this new configuration, effectively adding a stabilizing dimensional layer to the overall structure.
3Reliability
If a stabilizer system with strongarm and clamp is added to the electrical valve actuator, then the reliability is improved by reducing wear and false tripping, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer system incorporates dynamic elements including a flexible stabilizer arm that can accommodate vibration and movement, and a clamp mechanism that provides adjustable securing. These dynamic features allow the structure to adapt to operational conditions while maintaining reliability, rather than requiring overly rigid complex structures.
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 effectively reduces wear and false tripping, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the shutoff valves by attenuating vibrations and stabilizing the electrical valve actuator, thus ensuring consistent operation and rapid engine shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration-damping grommet to minimize deflections and wear
Implementation Method 2
a clamp clamping the strongarm to the solenoid subassembly
Data Source
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.