3D Toggle Valve Actuator for Fast Closing and High Shutting Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve actuators face challenges in achieving both the necessary open/close speed and shutting force for poppet valves, with increased force leading to decreased speed and vice versa.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator incorporating a three-dimensional toggle mechanism with a booster mechanism, including a cylinder, input and output discs, and links with ball joints, along with a load limiter and stopper, to transmit rotational movement into linear movement effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the force to operate the valve plug is increased to obtain shutting force, then the shutting force is improved, but the open/close speed is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism dynamically adjusts the force-speed characteristics through a variable ratio mechanism. The mechanism transitions between different operational phases: in the first phase, it prioritizes speed for valve opening; in the second phase, it prioritizes force for valve closing and latching. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing both high speed and high force at different moments in the operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism employs periodic action through distinct operational phases. The first phase provides high-speed operation for valve opening, while the second phase provides high-force operation for valve closing and latching. This periodic alternation between speed-oriented and force-oriented modes enables the system to achieve both requirements sequentially, resolving the fundamental trade-off between force and speed.
2Device complexity
If a conventional transmission mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but both high open/close speed and high shutting force cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into distinct functional phases and components. The operational cycle is divided into a first phase for high-speed operation and a second phase for high-force operation. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and combined performance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism introduces a temporal dimension to the force-speed relationship by operating in distinct phases. Rather than attempting to achieve both high force and high speed simultaneously in a single static configuration, the system transitions between different operational states over time. This dimensional approach allows the system to exceed the capabilities of conventional single-mode transmission mechanisms.
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
Enables simultaneous achievement of both the required open/close speed and shutting force for poppet valves, ensuring reliable operation and assembly while preventing excessive load transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The booster mechanism is a three-dimensional toggle mechanism that includes a cylinder, an input disc that rotates about an axis in the cylinder, an output disc that reciprocates along an axial direction in the cylinder, and a link that connects the input disc and the output disc
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A valve actuator is a valve actuator that drives opening and closing of a poppet valve and includes a motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force of the motor to the poppet valve. The transmission mechanism includes a booster mechanism. The booster mechanism is a three-dimensional toggle mechanism that includes a cylinder, an input disc that rotates about an axis in the cylinder, an output disc that reciprocates along an axial direction in the cylinder, and a link that connects the input disc and the output disc.