Valve Actuator End-Position Recognition via Deformable Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators lack the ability to precisely recognize their end positions, which is crucial for accurate regulation of valves, especially in compact and versatile designs.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a spindle and nut connection that translates rotational movements into translational movements, utilizing a deformable part to detect end positions through deformation, and a controller to analyze operating parameters like driving voltage or current to determine the actuator's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact actuator design is used to occupy little space in the valve, then the space occupation is reduced, but the ability to precisely recognize end positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive mechanism and position recognition system into a single integrated actuator unit. The deformable part serves dual purposes: it transmits mechanical force from the nut to the valve mechanism while simultaneously enabling position detection through its deformation characteristics. This merging allows compact design without sacrificing position recognition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable part serves itself by using its own mechanical deformation as the sensing mechanism for position recognition. The same component that transmits mechanical motion also provides the physical basis for detecting end positions through changes in its deformation state, eliminating the need for separate sensing components that would increase size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a versatile actuator design is used to adapt to different valves, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of position recognition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with universal features that allow it to adapt to different valve types and applications. The deformable part and its associated position recognition mechanism can be configured for various end-position requirements without fundamentally changing the actuator architecture. The controller can be programmed with different deformation characteristics for different applications, providing versatility without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves versatility by changing parameters rather than physical configurations. The controller stores and processes different deformation characteristics as parameter sets that can be selected based on the specific valve application. This allows the same physical actuator to adapt to different valves by adjusting control parameters rather than requiring different mechanical components.
3Measurement precision
If deformation of a deformable part is used to detect end positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable part acts as an intermediary element between the mechanical drive system and the position detection function. It translates mechanical position information into deformation state information that the controller can measure and interpret. This intermediary approach enables precise position detection while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, as the deformable part is an inherent component of the drive mechanism rather than an added sensing device.
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 precise recognition of end positions with high accuracy, preventing damage to the actuator and ensuring reliable operation by stopping movements when reaching an end position.
Implementation Method 1
the translocation of the nut causes the nut to act on a deformable part, such that the translocation of the nut is reflected in a deformation of the deformable part, wherein the deformable part is deformed into a hollow formed between the driving device and the deformable part
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuator (5) comprising a driving device (15) adapted to move a spindle (20) in first and second rotational directions (200), where the spindle (20) is connected to a nut (25) such that when the spindle (20) rotates the nut (25) is translocated in a third or fourth translational direction (210), where the movement of the nut (25) acts on a deformable part (30), such that the translocation of the nut (25) is reflected in a deformation of the deformable part (30). The deformable part (30) is deformed into a hollow (35) formed between the driving device (15) and the deformable part (30), and the spindle (20) reaches through the deformable part (30) and the hollow (35).