Universal Valve Actuator Adapter With Interchangeable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valves face compatibility issues with different actuator engagement configurations, making it challenging to install or replace actuators without finding a compatible actuator, often requiring both actuator and valve replacement.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter assembly that includes interchangeable connectors, a drive shaft, and an adapter bracket, allowing the actuator to be coupled with various valve configurations by selecting the appropriate connector and securing the adapter bracket to different mounting pads, enabling the actuator to control multiple valve types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators are designed to interface with a particular valve model, then the actuator can be precisely matched to specific valve requirements, but the actuator becomes incompatible with other valve models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an adapter assembly that enables a single actuator to interface with multiple valve models. The adapter includes interchangeable connectors that can be swapped to match different valve engagement configurations, allowing one actuator to perform multiple functions across different valve types rather than requiring dedicated actuators for each valve model
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is segmented into interchangeable connector components that can be independently selected and replaced. Each connector is designed for a specific valve engagement configuration, and the modular nature of the segmentation allows the system to adapt to different valve types by simply swapping the connector segment while keeping the main actuator body
2Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to cover different valve configurations, then each valve type can have a dedicated compatible actuator, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring multiple dedicated actuators for different valve configurations, the patent implements a universal adapter system that allows one actuator to control multiple valve types through interchangeable connectors. This reduces the number of actuators needed from multiple dedicated units to a single multi-functional actuator with an adapter kit
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component between the actuator and the valve. Rather than requiring direct compatibility between the actuator and each valve model, the adapter mediates the connection, translating the actuator's output to match different valve engagement configurations through its interchangeable connectors
3Manufacturing precision
If actuators are designed with specific engagement configurations, then the actuator can provide precise control for that valve type, but the actuator cannot be used with valves having different engagement configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement interface is segmented into interchangeable connector components, each precision-engineered for a specific valve engagement configuration. The segmentation allows the precision engagement feature to be isolated to the connector segment, which can be swapped without affecting the main actuator, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Different local qualities (engagement configurations) are provided at the connector level rather than the entire actuator level. Each connector has locally optimized features for its specific valve type, while the main actuator body remains universal. This allows precise control for each valve type through the locally adapted connector while maintaining overall system versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A universal adapter assembly for coupling a valve actuator to a plurality of different valves having different actuator engagement configurations includes a plurality of interchangeable connectors, a drive shaft, and an adapter bracket. Each of the plurality of interchangeable connectors corresponds to one of the different actuator engagement configurations. Each of the plurality of interchangeable connectors has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured to engage a valve control knob of a valve having the corresponding actuator engagement configuration. The drive shaft is configured to engage the proximal end of each of the plurality of interchangeable connectors. The adapter bracket is configured to be coupled to the valve. The adapter bracket is further configured to include an opening to receive the drive shaft. The adapter bracket is further configured to include a set of apertures corresponding to the actuator engagement configuration. The adapter bracket is further configured to secure the adapter bracket to a mounting pad of the valve.