Valve Actuator Locking Button Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fail-safe valve actuators return to a predetermined position upon power failure, limiting the ability to maintain the pre-power failure state or override the default position during troubleshooting or initial installation.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator with a locking button arrangement that allows manual repositioning by engaging a housing to prohibit rotational movement, incorporating a drive train with interconnected gears and an actuator return device to store and release rotational energy, enabling the valve to be manually set to a position other than the default in the event of a power failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fail-safe valve actuator is designed to automatically return to a predetermined position upon power failure, then safety is improved, but the ability to maintain the pre-power failure state or override the default position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking button arrangement is designed to be engaged before power failure occurs, allowing the valve to be locked in its current position. This preliminary action enables the valve to maintain its pre-power failure state rather than automatically returning to the predetermined position, thus providing both safety through fail-safe design and adaptability through manual position maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The locking button arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the automatic fail-safe return mechanism and the valve position. It provides a manual override capability that mediates between the automated system's desire to return to default position and the operator's need to maintain or set a specific position during troubleshooting or installation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism is added to allow manual position maintenance, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking button arrangement serves multiple functions: it locks the valve in position during normal operation, maintains position during power failures, and enables manual override capability. By consolidating these functions into a single mechanism, the design achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking button arrangement is designed to be self-contained and self-locking, requiring minimal operator intervention. Once engaged, it automatically maintains the valve position without requiring continuous manual input, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability
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 the valve actuator to maintain the pre-power failure state or override the default position, allowing for troubleshooting and initial configuration flexibility while ensuring automatic return to a predetermined position when power is restored.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator return device operably coupled to the shaft to rotate the drive train in a direction to a first predetermined position
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve actuator (10) with manual lock is provided. The valve actuator (10) with manual lock includes a locking button arrangement (12) that is operably coupled to a shaft (78) extending along an axis of rotation of a drive train (72). The locking button arrangement (12) is selectively engageable with a housing (30) of the valve actuator (10) to lock the drive train (72) in a selected orientation.