Valve Actuator Gear Train with Nested Pinions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators in control valves suffer from poor durability and low transmission efficiency due to wear and tear of planetary gearsets, leading to operational failures.
Innovation Solution
The improved actuating device features a gear train with a center gearset, planet-pinion carrier, and output internal gear, incorporating multiple pinions and bearings for stable operation, along with a worm gear for manual operation, enhancing durability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional actuators employ a planetary gearset consisting of two pinions, then the structure is simplified, but the transmission efficiency is low and durability is poor due to gear wear
Solution Approach 1:
The gear train is segmented into multiple functional modules: center gearset (first and second external gears), planet-pinion carrier with multiple pinions, output internal gear, and worm gear assembly. Each module performs specific functions and can be independently maintained, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested gear arrangements where pinions are mounted on the planet-pinion carrier and mesh with both the center gearset and output internal gear simultaneously. The worm gear is nested within the output internal gear structure, creating a compact multi-stage transmission system that achieves high reliability without excessive complexity.
2Loss of energy
If conventional actuators use a simple planetary gearset, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transmission efficiency is low due to gear wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
Different gear modules are optimized for specific functions: the center gearset with multiple pinions provides high-efficiency power distribution, the output internal gear ensures smooth torque transmission, and the worm gear with self-locking feature prevents back-driving and energy loss. Each local component is designed with quality tailored to its specific transmission requirements, maximizing overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear train incorporates dynamic elements including the planet-pinion carrier that rotates around the center gearset while carrying pinions that simultaneously rotate on their own axes. The worm gear provides dynamic self-locking capability that adapts to load conditions, maintaining high transmission efficiency under varying operational dynamics.
3Reliability
If the gear train uses multiple pinions and bearings, then the durability and transmission efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pinions are merged into a single planet-pinion carrier assembly that rotates as one unit, reducing the number of independent components while maintaining the benefits of multiple pinions for load distribution and efficiency. Bearings are strategically positioned at critical interfaces to support combined radial and axial loads from multiple gear meshes, consolidating support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The center axle serves multiple functions: it supports the center gearset, provides the rotation axis for the planet-pinion carrier, and transmits torque to the output internal gear. The bearings simultaneously support radial loads from gear meshing and axial loads from the worm gear, providing multi-directional support with single components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing reliability.
4Volume of moving object
If the actuator is designed with a compact structure, then the installation space is reduced, but the resistance to impact and vibration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gear train components are nested within each other: pinions are mounted on the planet-pinion carrier that rotates around the center gearset, and the output internal gear encloses the entire planetary assembly. The worm gear is positioned within the output internal gear structure. This nested arrangement achieves a compact actuator volume while the interconnected gear meshes provide structural rigidity to resist impact and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact actuator is segmented into rigid modular components connected through precision gear interfaces. The housing provides structural support and encloses the nested gear train, creating a compact yet rigid assembly that resists external impacts and vibrations while maintaining small volume.
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 design achieves high transmission efficiency, increased resistance to impact and vibration, and secure, compact structure, with improved load distribution and reduced friction loss, allowing for smooth and stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first bearing is provided between the center gearset and the planet-pinion carrier
Implementation Method 2
a second bearing is mounted between the output internal gear and the housing
Implementation Method 3
The third bearing is mounted between the worm gear and the planet-pinion carrier
Implementation Method 4
The center gearset can drive the output internal gear into rotation, thereby moving a shaft of a valve through adaptation of the output coupling means
Data Source
AI summary
An improved device, for actuating a valve, comprises a housing and a gear train accommodated in the housing. The gear train includes a center gearset, a planet-pinion carrier, and an output internal gear. The center gearset includes a first external gear and a second external gear being coaxially fixed to the first external gear. The planet-pinion carrier is mounted around the first external gear of the center gearset, wherein a first bearing is provided between the center gearset and the planet-pinion carrier; at least three pinions are mounted at a bottom or inside of the planet-pinion carrier, the pinions being meshed with the first external gear of the center gearset. The output internal gear is mounted in mesh with the pinions, wherein a second bearing is provided between the output internal gear and the housing. The present invention is durable in structure and has a high transmission efficiency.