Flow-Rate Valve Actuator With Lever-Screw Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-rate control valves face challenges in accurately regulating fluid flow rates due to complex structures and operations, particularly when using electropneumatic regulators and electric motors, which can lead to temperature variations and complicated control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A flow-rate control valve with a simple structure incorporating a valve body, a driving force transmission mechanism, and a drive mechanism using an adjusting screw member, rotator, and lever system to accurately regulate the opening degree of the flow channel through a reciprocating member, allowing for remote control of the flow rate without the need for electric motors or complex electropneumatic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric motor is used to drive the valve body for remote operation, then the valve can be remotely operated, but the temperature of the fluid varies due to heat from the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor-driven mechanical system with a pneumatic system using an electropneumatic regulator to control air pressure on the diaphragm. This substitution eliminates the heat generation problem associated with electric motors while maintaining remote operation capability through pneumatic actuation of the valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air pressure as an intermediary medium between the control signal and the valve body actuation. The electropneumatic regulator converts electrical control signals into proportional air pressure, which then acts on the diaphragm to move the valve body, thereby enabling remote control without direct mechanical or electrical contact with the valve mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If an electropneumatic regulator is used to control air pressure for accurate flow regulation, then flow rate control accuracy is improved, but the structure and operations become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electropneumatic regulator serves multiple functions: it provides proportional air pressure control for accurate flow regulation, enables remote operation capability, and maintains a relatively compact structure. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving precise flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes proportional air pressure as a controllable parameter to achieve accurate flow rate regulation. The electropneumatic regulator varies the air pressure parameter in proportion to the control signal, which directly influences the diaphragm position and consequently the valve opening degree, providing precise and linear flow control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixing mechanism is added to switch between fixed and unfixed opening degree states, then operational flexibility is improved, but the operations become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic fixing mechanism that can switch between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements. The fixing mechanism includes a locking component that can engage with positioning notches on the valve body, allowing the operator to lock the valve at a desired position for fixed flow control or release it for adjustable operation, providing flexibility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is designed to be self-locking through engagement with positioning notches, eliminating the need for separate locking devices or complex control systems. Once the valve body is positioned at a desired opening degree, the fixing mechanism automatically engages to maintain that position, providing operational flexibility while maintaining simplicity.
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 valve enables precise regulation of fluid flow rates with a straightforward mechanism, avoiding temperature changes and allowing operation in environments where electric motors are not feasible, while maintaining high accuracy and simplicity of control.
Implementation Method 1
a driving force transmission mechanism provided in the housing and including an adjusting screw member rotatably provided and configured to adjust a position of the valve body on a basis of the number of rotations
Implementation Method 2
a lever swingably mounted on the reciprocating member and provided with a first contact section in contact with the pressing section when the reciprocating member moves forward and a second contact section in contact with the pressing section when the reciprocating member moves backward
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-rate control valve 10a includes: a housing including a valve body configured to regulate an opening degree of a flow channel to be reciprocable, formed therein; a driving force transmission mechanism 31 provided in the housing and including a valve driving shaft driving a valve body, a hollow screw shaft 40 screwed to the valve driving shaft and a rotator 36 configured to rotate the hollow screw shaft 40; and a drive mechanism 53 including actuators 54 and 55 with a piston 61 embedded therein, the piston 61 is provided with a lever 66 engaged with engaging sections provided on the rotator 36, and the rotator 36 is rotated to a constant angle through the lever 66 by reciprocation of the piston 61 to regulate the opening degree of the flow channel by the valve body.