Valve Actuator Mounting Bracket for Misalignment Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator mounting methods fail to securely attach actuators to valves of varying configurations and dimensions, preventing effective remote operation and regulation by automated control systems in industrial and manufacturing systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator mounting bracket system that mirrors the external dimensions of the valve body, accommodating three-axis misalignments and featuring a drive adaptor and coupler to ensure precise and secure engagement of the actuator with the valve, allowing for remote operation and regulation regardless of valve orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional actuator mounting methods are used, then the mounting process is simple, but the actuator cannot be securely attached to valves of varying configurations and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple valve configurations and dimensions. The bracket includes adjustable mounting surfaces and configurable attachment points that can be adapted to different valve types, making a single bracket design suitable for various valve sizes and orientations while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable mounting surfaces and adjustable positioning mechanisms. These features allow the bracket to be configured for different valve orientations (horizontal, vertical, angled) and dimensions, enabling secure attachment across varying valve configurations without requiring multiple specialized bracket designs.
2Reliability
If custom mounting solutions are developed for each valve configuration, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket employs a universal design philosophy where a single bracket structure can mount actuators on various valve configurations. The bracket includes adjustable mounting surfaces, reconfigurable attachment points, and adaptable positioning features that allow it to work with different valve types, sizes, and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple custom bracket designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is divided into modular segments including separate mounting surfaces, positioning elements, and attachment mechanisms. These segmented components can be independently adjusted and configured to match different valve geometries, providing both secure attachment and versatility across various valve configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve orientation varies, then the mounting system must adapt to different orientations, but maintaining precise operating engagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable mounting surfaces and adjustable positioning elements that can be configured for different valve orientations. These features allow the bracket to maintain precise operating engagement whether the valve is mounted horizontally, vertically, or at angled positions, adapting to orientation variations while preserving alignment precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If three-axis misalignments are accommodated, then the mounting system becomes more flexible, but the complexity of maintaining precise engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into independent adjustment components that can address x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis misalignments separately. Each segment can be independently positioned and locked, allowing systematic correction of misalignments without requiring a complex integrated adjustment mechanism. This modular approach to alignment reduces overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly including a valve having an opening and closing mechanism for controlling the flow of a fluid through the valve controlled by an actuator and an actuator mounting bracket secured to the valve. The actuator mounting bracket includes upper and lower clamps securing the valve actuator to the valve regardless of the valve position.