Speed-Adjustable Valve Actuator Returning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring-based returning devices in piping network control systems experience excessively fast return speeds when power is interrupted, leading to water hammering and potential damage due to abrupt flow rate changes.
Innovation Solution
A speed-adjustable returning device comprising a transmission assembly, energy storage device, arrestment device, power device, and valve device, which stores kinetic energy during normal power supply and releases it at a controlled fixed speed when power is interrupted to prevent damage and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spring-based returning device is used to return the valve to safety position when power is interrupted, then the valve can return to complete opening or complete closing, but the returning speed is excessively fast (2-3 seconds) causing water hammering and facility damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the returning speed adjustable rather than fixed. The speed control assembly allows the returning speed to be dynamically adjusted within a set range, transforming the static spring-based returning mechanism into a dynamic system that can adapt its speed to prevent water hammering while ensuring valve return to safety position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter of the returning device from a fixed value (2-3 seconds) to an adjustable parameter within a specific range (5-30 seconds). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing slow, controlled returning that prevents water hammering while still achieving timely valve return to safety position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the returning speed is reduced to prevent water hammering, then facility damage is prevented, but the time required for the valve to return to safety position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable speed mechanism allows the system to dynamically optimize the returning process. By setting an appropriate speed within the 5-30 second range, the system achieves a balance between preventing water hammering and minimizing return time, resolving the time-harmful factors contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous controlled action during the returning process through the speed control assembly and damping mechanism. This continuous control maintains a steady, safe returning speed throughout the entire valve return journey, preventing both water hammering and unnecessary delays.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-speed spring-based returning device is used, then the structure is simple, but the operational speed cannot be regulated leading to abrupt flow rate changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic speed adjustment capability while maintaining relatively simple structure. The speed control assembly with adjustable parameters provides operational flexibility without significantly complicating the overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and speed regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The returning device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a safety return mechanism and a speed-regulated flow control device. The adjustable speed feature enables the device to adapt to different operational requirements, enhancing its versatility while maintaining structural efficiency.
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
Regulates the operational speed of the valve actuator to prevent water hammering and related damages, enhancing safety and operational control during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
the energy storage device stores kinetic energy during normal power supply and releases it at a controlled fixed speed when power is interrupted
Implementation Method 2
the power device generates and transmits kinetic energy to the transmission assembly to control an operation of the valve device and to transmit, via the transmission assembly, kinetic energy to the energy storage device for storage
Implementation Method 3
the arrestment device makes the transmission assembly to operate at a fixed speed... regulate the operational speed to prevent water hammering
Data Source
AI summary
A speed-adjustable returning device of a valve actuator including a transmission assembly, an energy storage device arranged at one side of the transmission assembly and is operatively coupled thereto, an arrestment device arranged beside the energy storage device and is operatively coupled to the transmission assembly, and a valve device arranged at one side of the transmission assembly and is operatively coupled thereto. Under a condition of normal power supply, the energy storage device is controlled to store energy, and when power supply is interrupted, the energy storage device releases the stored energy to drive the transmission assembly to operate in a reversed direction so that the transmission assembly drives the arrestment device in such a way that the arrestment device makes the transmission assembly and the energy storage device operated at fixed speeds to thereby make the valve device operated at a fixed speed.