Valve Actuation with External Return Spring and Servo Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve-actuating devices face mobility issues due to the restoring element being within the compensating device, and there is a need for improved manufacturing flexibility and load capacity, particularly in achieving a compact and efficient design that allows for adjustable valve positions and easy operation.
Innovation Solution
The restoring element is arranged outside the compensating device, allowing the plunger and control element to be manufactured from the same material, with the option of using different materials for the receptacle and control element, and incorporating a pressure chamber for enhanced operational efficiency, including a servo actuator that utilizes water pressure for easier actuation and a bi-stable adjusting mechanism for precise position control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the restoring element is arranged inside the compensating device (receptacle), then the structure is more compact, but the mobility of the plunger is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the restoring element from the compensating device, placing it outside the receptacle. This segmentation allows the plunger to move freely within the receptacle without being impeded by the restoring element, while the restoring element remains positioned to provide the necessary restoring force to the control element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate arrangement where the restoring element acts on the control element externally rather than being contained within the receptacle. This intermediary positioning resolves the conflict between compactness and plunger mobility by providing the restoring function without interfering with plunger movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the plunger and control element are made from the same material, then manufacturing is simplified, but the load capacity and buckling resistance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different materials for the plunger/control element and the receptacle. The plunger and control element can be made from materials optimized for load capacity and buckling resistance (such as metals), while the receptacle can be made from plastic or other materials optimized for its specific functions. This composite material approach allows each component to be made from the most suitable material for its functional requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the receptacle is made from plastic, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the load capacity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different parts of the system. The receptacle is made from plastic with properties optimized for its specific functions (complex shaping, sealing), while the plunger and control element are made from materials with properties optimized for load-bearing and buckling resistance. This local quality approach allows each component to have the specific material properties it needs without compromising the overall system performance.
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
This design enhances mobility by avoiding impedance, allows for flexible material selection, improves load capacity, and simplifies the structural design by using water pressure for actuation, enabling easy operation with reduced force expenditure and precise valve control.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring element is present which counters the relative movement with a restoring force
Implementation Method 2
a pressure chamber which is connected via a filling opening to an inlet of the valve and via an outlet opening to an outlet of the valve, wherein a valve element of the valve that separates the outlet from the inlet can be subjected to load by the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
In the case of a valve-actuating device (1), it is provided that, between a manual operating element (2) and a control element (4), by which a valve (3) can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, there is formed a compensating device (6) by which the control element (4) can be moved relative to the manual operating element (2), and toward or away from the latter, counter to a restoring force of a restoring element (9), wherein the restoring element (9) is arranged outside the compensating device (6), and/or a plunger (8) is arranged on the control element (4) and is guided in a receptacle (7) of the compensating device (6), wherein there is additionally or alternatively formed an adjusting device (34) by which the control element (4) can be moved away from or toward the manual operating element (2) (FIG. 1).