Double Universal Joint Valve Drive for Angularly Offset Manual Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Butterfly valves used in aircraft systems face challenges in harsh environments, such as high temperatures and vibrations, leading to potential failure and requiring manual manipulation, especially when actuation mechanisms fail, necessitating a reliable manual positioning system.
Innovation Solution
A manual positioning assembly is introduced, comprising a cylindrical valve housing, a shaft, a disc, and a double universal joint with a socket for tool engagement, allowing manual rotation of the disc between open and closed positions, even in stuck or failed actuation scenarios, utilizing a conical feature for tool alignment and a bushing for reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual positioning assembly is added to enable manual operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual positioning assembly is nested within the existing valve structure, with the double universal joint mechanism integrated into the housing that already contains the actuation mechanism. This allows the manual operation system to be accommodated within the existing valve envelope without requiring a completely separate manual positioning device, thus improving reliability while limiting the increase in overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The double universal joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the manual input (socket for tool engagement) and the valve shaft. This intermediary allows manual torque to be transmitted through angular offsets and misalignments, enabling reliable manual positioning without requiring direct mechanical coupling, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity through a specialized intermediate component
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double universal joint is used to accommodate angular offsets, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double universal joint mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates angular offsets between the manual positioning assembly and the valve shaft, transmits rotational torque, and provides a compact means of coupling that works with various mounting configurations. This multi-functionality improves adaptability to different angular arrangements while managing complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single standardized joint design
Solution Approach 2:
The double universal joint provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the mechanism to self-adjust to angular misalignments through its gimbal structure. The joint can accommodate varying angles of offset between the input shaft and output shaft, making the system adaptable to different installation configurations without requiring custom-designed rigid couplings for each angle, thus improving versatility while using a relatively simple standardized component
3Ease of operation
If the manual positioning assembly is made compact for constrained spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operational interface (socket for tool engagement) is extracted and positioned at the end of a housing that extends into the constrained space, while the complex alignment and mounting features are taken out to the outer housing that can be more easily manufactured with precise features. This separation allows the compact portion accessible in constrained spaces to have simpler manufacturing requirements, while the precision features are concentrated in the externally mounted housing components
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 reliable manual operation of butterfly valves in harsh conditions, ensuring valve functionality even when actuation mechanisms fail, extending valve life by reducing rotational resistance and allowing maintenance in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The manual positioning assembly includes a double universal joint. The double universal joint includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the double universal joint is mechanically coupled to the second end of the shaft.
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a conical feature for tool alignment and a bushing for reduced friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A manual positioning assembly for connection to a shaft of a valve configured to manually manipulate a disc of the valve between an open and closed position. The manual valve positioning assembly (30) includes a housing (32) having a first and a second end. The first end includes a flange configured for fastening the housing to the valve. The second end includes a conical feature. An alignment bushing (70) within the second end of the housing and a double universal joint (44). The double universal joint includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the double universal joint is configured to be mechanically fastened to the shaft of the valve. The second end is positioned within the alignment bushing and includes a socket (50) configured to receive a tool that manually turns the double universal joint, the shaft, and the disc to position the disc in the open or closed position.