Electric Valve Actuator Latching for Power-Efficient Fail-Safe Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators for gate valves suffer from high power consumption and complex fail-safe mechanisms, which are often hydraulic or pneumatic, leading to mechanical stress and potential failure due to multiple interacting parts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fail-safe electric valve actuator with an integral stem and drive assembly, using a torsion spring and electromagnetic means for secure closure during emergencies, reducing power consumption and mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic fail-safe mechanisms are used, then reliable emergency valve closure is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical stress increase due to multiple interacting parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stem and drive assembly into an integral unit mounted on the first latching unit, eliminating separate components and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining fail-safe functionality. The electromagnetic means are integrated with the biasing means, further simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes hydraulic or pneumatic systems from the fail-safe mechanism, replacing them with a simplified electromagnetic-biasing system. This extraction eliminates the complexity of fluid systems while preserving the essential fail-safe closure function.
2Ease of operation
If electric motors are used to maintain valve position, then precise control is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous power consumption to maintain valve position, the system uses periodic electromagnetic activation only when position changes are needed. The biasing assembly maintains position passively without continuous energy input, enabling energy-efficient operation while preserving control capability.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic means sustain the load of drive unit and latching mechanism, then secure latching is achieved, but mechanical stress on electromagnet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biasing assembly (spring mechanism) as an intermediary between the electromagnetic means and the latching mechanism. The biasing assembly absorbs the mechanical load and stress, allowing the electromagnet to operate with reduced mechanical burden while maintaining secure latching functionality.
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 actuator achieves power-efficient and cost-effective operation with a simplified mechanism, ensuring reliable emergency shutdown without continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The second latching unit comprises a biasing element per latching dog, for urging the latching dog toward the stop of the first latching unit
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic means comprise an electromagnet having a first portion mounted integral with the housing and a second portion mounted integral with the biasing means
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric valve actuator, comprising: a stem (41, 43) for moving a valve member between open and closed positions; a drive assembly for moving the stem comprising an electric motor (31); a biasing assembly (5) adapted to act on the stem to urge it toward a failsafe position; and a fail-safe shutdown system to allow the biasing assembly to urge the stem toward the failsafe position, comprising a first latching unit (7) mounted movable in translation in the housing and a second latching unit (8) mounted on the housing for latching engagement with the first unit, whereby the stem can be moved free from the action of the biasing assembly in the latched state of the first and second latching units; and the drive assembly and the stem are mounted integral in translation with the first unit (7), which is mounted integral in translation with the biasing assembly.