Two-Part Valve Yoke for Robust Drive and Component Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing yokes for connecting drives and electrical/mechatronic components to control valves in process engineering systems are complex and costly due to the need for multiple interfaces, leading to increased production complexity and costs, especially when dealing with high forces, temperatures, and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A yoke design comprising two separate elements, where the first element is a cast part for high mechanical and thermal loads and the second element is a sheet metal construction for lower loads, allowing for cost-effective production and easy adaptation, with a non-positive or positive connection between them, and an integrally formed housing cover for direct connection to the control valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a drive is attached directly to a control valve body, then the drive is firmly held, but the valve body becomes unnecessarily complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a simplified valve body, a separate yoke with attachment features, and a drive. The yoke acts as an intermediary component that provides the attachment interface between the drive and the valve, eliminating the need to integrate drive mounting features directly into the valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke serves as an intermediary component between the drive and the control valve body. It provides the necessary attachment features (such as lugs or mounting surfaces) that allow the drive to be securely mounted without modifying or complicating the valve body structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical and/or mechatronic components are integrated into the valve body, then assembly is simplified, but cleaning and disinfection become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical and mechatronic components (such as position sensors, actuators, or electronic controls) are extracted from the valve body and mounted separately on the yoke or valve housing. This separation allows the valve body to remain a simple, cleanable component while still accommodating necessary electronic components through external mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke or separate housing acts as an intermediary platform that carries electrical and mechatronic components away from the valve body's fluid path. This intermediary structure enables easy access for cleaning and disinfection of the valve body while maintaining functional integration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a drive is firmly held on a control valve, then operational stability is improved, but disassembly for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates detachable or reversible connection mechanisms (such as bolted flanges, clamps, or quick-connect interfaces) between the drive and the yoke/valve body. These connections provide firm holding during operation but can be easily released when maintenance is required, enabling dynamic transition between stable operation and easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separable components with standardized interfaces. The drive, yoke, and valve body each have defined connection points that allow for straightforward assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a yoke (100) for attaching a drive (16) and electrical and/or mechatronic components (20, 22) to an actuating valve (12). The yoke (100) is of multi-part design, having a first yoke element (100-1) and a second yoke element (100-2), wherein the yoke (100) can be connected to a housing (14) of the actuating valve (12) via the first yoke element (100-1) and to the drive (16) and the electrical and/or mechatronic components (20, 22) via the second yoke element (100-2).