Tool-less Valve Actuator Connector for Globe Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting a globe valve actuator to a U-style bonnet in HVAC systems are labor-intensive and require tools, increasing installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less connector assembly featuring a yoke with pivotally secured arms and a slide lock, allowing for manual connection and secure locking of the bonnet to the globe valve actuator, utilizing a disc-shaped element and clamping elements for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to connect globe valve actuator to U-style bonnet, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a yoke portion that receives the bonnet, a connector portion with pivotally secured arms that engage the bonnet, and a latch mechanism with slide lock. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure connection through modular assembly rather than requiring complex tool-based fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector arms are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing the bonnet to be easily inserted into the yoke and then securely engaged through pivotal movement of the arms. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for tools by using hand-operated pivotal motion to transition from insertion mode to locked mode, reducing installation time while maintaining connection security.
2Reliability
If tool-based fastening methods are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed to be self-servicing, allowing the installer to operate the mechanism directly by hand without requiring external tools. The pivotally secured arms can be manually moved to engage the bonnet, and the latch with slide lock can be manually operated to secure the connection. This self-service design simplifies the operation while maintaining secure fastening through the inherent mechanical advantage of the lever arms and latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using tools to force components together, the design inverts the approach by using hand-operated pivotal motion to naturally guide the arms into the engaged position. The latch mechanism is inverted from a tool-activated lock to a hand-slidable lock, where the operator directly manipulates the slide lock to engage or disengage the connection, making the process more intuitive and easier to operate.
3Strength
If conventional connection methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but productivity and installation efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke portion is pre-configured with a receiving structure that guides the bonnet into the correct position before engagement. The pivotally secured arms are pre-positioned to automatically align with the bonnet features, and the latch mechanism is pre-set to engage when the arms are moved to the closed position. This preliminary configuration ensures structural integrity is maintained from the outset while enabling rapid installation without requiring complex alignment procedures or tool-based fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonnet is nested within the yoke portion, which provides a receiving structure that contains and secures the bonnet. The connector arms are nested within the yoke structure, pivoting on pins that are integrated into the yoke. This nested arrangement ensures structural integrity by creating a compact, interlocked assembly while improving productivity through simplified installation - the bonnet is simply inserted into the yoke and the arms are pivoted into place, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A globe valve assembly includes a globe valve and a bonnet secured to a housing of the globe valve. The globe valve assembly further includes a yoke assembly having a yoke secured to a globe valve actuator, and a connector assembly secured to the yoke and configured to be connected to the bonnet to secure the globe valve to the globe valve actuator. The connector assembly includes a first arm pivotally secured to the yoke and a second arm pivotally secured to the yoke, with the first arm and the second arm being movable between an open position in which the yoke can receive the bonnet and a closed position in which the arms engage and connect the bonnet to the yoke, and a latch to fasten the arms in the closed position.