Torque Limiting Hand Wheel Valve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid valves often suffer damage when excessive torque is applied to open or close them, as the sealing elements and seating surfaces are subjected to additional force beyond their capacity, leading to potential damage during operation.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiting system comprising an input element, a drive element, and a torque transferring mechanism that applies or transfers torque based on the resistance of the valve element to turning, utilizing spring-loaded pins or a ball and spring mechanism to limit torque and prevent damage, along with a visual or audible indicator for valve position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional torque is applied to close the valve after the sealing element reaches substantially-closed position, then the valve closure is ensured, but the seating surface is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A torque limiting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's applied torque and the valve's drive mechanism. This intermediary component (such as a friction clutch, over-center linkage, or spring-loaded detent) automatically limits the transmitted torque to a safe level, preventing damage to the seating surface while ensuring reliable valve closure through the necessary sealing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque parameter dynamically during operation. The torque limiting mechanism allows high torque application by the user but automatically reduces and maintains the transmitted torque within a safe operating range, ensuring both reliable closure and prevention of seating surface damage through parameter control.
2Reliability
If additional torque is applied to open the valve after the sealing element reaches full-open position, then the valve opening is ensured, but the seating surface, seals, and packing elements are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting mechanism serves as a protective intermediary that monitors and controls torque transmission in both directions. When opening the valve, it allows sufficient torque to overcome sealing forces but prevents excessive torque that would damage seats, seals, and packing elements, extending component life while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiting mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by pre-setting torque limits that prevent damage before it occurs. Components such as friction surfaces, spring elements, or over-center linkages are designed to engage and limit torque at critical thresholds, cushioning the system against harmful torque spikes during valve operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a torque limiting mechanism is added to prevent damage, then component protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting mechanism is designed to be self-regulating and automatic, requiring no external control systems or complex electronics. Simple mechanical elements such as friction clutches, spring-loaded detents, or over-center linkages automatically sense and limit torque based on preset characteristics, providing component protection while adding minimal complexity to the valve mechanism.
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 system effectively limits torque to prevent damage to the valve components, ensuring safe operation by transferring only necessary torque to the valve element and providing clear indications of valve position, thus maintaining the integrity of the valve and preventing over-tightening or over-opening.
Implementation Method 1
the pin tips may be operable to frictionally engage and turn the torque collar in response to the turning of the handle
Implementation Method 2
The torque collar may be in contact with tips of the spring loaded pins... The pins may slip around the collar when the torque applied to the handle exceeds a first threshold torque
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, a system for applying torque to a valve element that stops fluid flow through the valve is disclosed. The system may include an input element, a drive element, and a torque transferring mechanism. The input element may be configured to receive a torque. The drive element may be configured to apply substantially none of the torque, or at least a portion of the torque, to the valve element. The torque transferring mechanism may be configured to receive the torque from the input element, and transfer substantially none of the torque, or at least a portion of the torque, to the drive element based at least in part on a resistance of the valve element to turning.