Vacuum Valve Locking Mechanism for Reliable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum valves with angled movement paths for closure members face reliability issues in maintaining the closed position due to decreasing pressing forces from pneumatic or electric drives, especially when temperature-related geometry deviations occur, requiring tight tolerances that can be challenging to maintain.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a locking device with at least one inclined surface that allows for high tolerances during production and operation, enabling compensation for production and operational deviations, such as temperature-induced changes, by using a locking body that moves along a third movement path between locking and releasing positions, and utilizing a locking drive with elastic pre-stressing to maintain the closure member in the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking bolts are used to latch into piston openings, then the closure member can be locked in the closed position, but very small tolerances are required during production and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking interface by replacing point-contact locking bolts with inclined surfaces that create a line or area contact. This parameter change allows the locking body to accommodate dimensional variations and thermal expansion without requiring tight tolerances, while maintaining reliable locking through the mechanical advantage of the inclined surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface acts as an intermediary element between the locking body and the component it locks to. Instead of direct point-to-point contact between locking bolts and piston openings, the inclined surface mediates the interaction, distributing forces and accommodating dimensional variations through its geometry, thereby reducing tolerance requirements.
2Extent of automation
If pneumatic or electric drives are used to move the closure member, then the valve can be operated automatically, but the pressing forces decrease over time causing unreliable closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device performs a preliminary action by engaging the locking body in the locked position before the pneumatic or electric drive completes its stroke. This preliminary engagement ensures that the closure member is secured in the closed position even if the drive pressure decreases over time, as the mechanical locking takes over the load-bearing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be self-activating through the movement of the closure member itself. As the closure member moves into the closed position, it automatically triggers the locking body to engage through the inclined surface mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuation and ensuring reliable locking without additional energy input.
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 solution ensures high operational reliability of the locking device even with generous tolerances and compensates for geometric deviations, maintaining the closed position effectively without negatively impacting the valve's performance.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device comprises at least one locking body which interacts with at least one inclined surface and/or comprises at least one inclined surface, wherein the locking body is movable relative to the closure member along a third movement path between a locking position, in which the closure member is locked in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a locking drive with elastic pre-stressing to maintain the closure member in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve having a closure member which is pressed against a valve seat in a closed position and closes an opening, and having a first valve drive for moving the closure member along a first movement path back and/or forth between a maximum open position and an intermediate position, and having a second valve drive for moving the closure member along a second movement path back and/or forth between the intermediate position and the closed position. The first movement path and the second movement path are arranged in an angled manner with respect to one another. The valve additionally includes at least one locking device with at least one locking body which interacts with at least one inclined surface and/or comprises at least one inclined surface, wherein the locking body is movable relative to the closure member along a third movement path between a locking position and a releasing position.