Universal Actuator Connecting Member for Multiway Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator and connecting member solutions for multiway valves are limited to specific types or sizes of valve shafts, leading to increased manufacturing and storage costs, as well as the risk of incompatibility due to differing product life cycles between valves and actuators.
Innovation Solution
A turnable connecting member with central openings and gear rims that can accommodate two different types of valve shafts, allowing the same actuator to be used with various valve shaft configurations, and featuring a duct for screw insertion and a hexagonal surface for easy handling and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting member is designed for a specific type or size of valve shaft, then it ensures precise fit and non-rotatable connection, but it requires multiple different actuators or connecting members for different valve types, increasing manufacturing and storage costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of valve shafts. The central opening at one end and the gear rim at the other end are configured to work with different valve shaft types while maintaining a consistent interface with the actuator's operating shaft. This allows a single connecting member design to serve multiple functions across different valve configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If multiple different actuators with different connecting members are manufactured for different valve shaft types, then each ensures optimal performance for its specific valve type, but it increases manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with a standardized operating shaft that interfaces with a universal connecting member. This connecting member can be adapted to different valve shaft types through its specific geometry (central opening and gear rim configuration), while the actuator itself remains unchanged. This universality reduces the number of actuator variants needed, simplifying manufacturing and inventory management while maintaining compatibility across different valve types.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connecting member is made non-rotatable for precise valve shaft engagement, then it ensures accurate positioning, but it becomes difficult to accommodate different valve shaft types with the same connecting member
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member employs local quality differentiation: one end features a central opening configured for non-rotatable engagement with a first type of valve shaft, while the other end features a gear rim configured for non-rotatable engagement with a second type of valve shaft. Each end is locally optimized for its specific engagement type, allowing the same connecting member to achieve precise positioning with different valve shaft types through its differentiated local geometries.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an actuator (1), which comprises a connecting member (10) for connecting the actuator (1) to a multiway valve (30), and a connecting member (10) for such a valve actuator (1). The connecting member (10) is turnable and has at both ends (11, 12), on the one hand, a central opening (13, 14), one (13) of which is arranged to cooperate in non-rotatable manner with connecting surfaces on an outer end of a first type of valve shaft and the other (14) of which is arranged to cooperate in non-rotatable manner with connecting surfaces on an outer end (33) of a second type of valve shaft (34), and, on the other hand, a gear rim (15, 16), which surrounds the associated opening (13, 14) and which, when facing the valve actuator (1), is arranged to cooperate in non-rotatable manner with gear teeth (3) provided on a mating end of an operating shaft (2), which forms part of the valve actuator (1).