Process Valve Actuator Rod Coupling for Flexible Drive Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for process plants have limited flexibility in adjusting the distance between the drive rod and the valve rod, making it difficult to combine different sizes of actuating drives with actuating valves without requiring adaptations to the connecting housing, which can disrupt sealing and prevent proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second rod coupling and an adjusting rod allows for easy compensation of different distances between the drive rod and the valve rod by selecting the appropriate length of the adjusting rod, with positive connections for safe power transmission and easy assembly, enabling fine adjustments through threaded connections and form fits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting housing is adapted to accommodate different distances between drive rod and valve rod, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and sealing integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rod coupling is divided into two separate half-shells that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows each half-shell to be adjusted to accommodate different rod distances without requiring complex modifications to the entire connecting housing, thereby maintaining sealing integrity while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod coupling design incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the distance between drive rod and valve rod to be dynamically adapted. The half-shells can be positioned at different locations along the rods and secured with fastening elements, enabling the system to accommodate various actuator sizes without fixed geometric constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rod coupling is enlarged to provide longer threads for adjustment, then the adjustment range increases, but the device complexity and potential interference with valve housing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is segmented between the rod coupling half-shells and the threaded fastening elements. The half-shells provide the structural framework while the threaded elements provide the adjustment mechanism. This separation allows for adequate adjustment range without requiring an oversized rod coupling body.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism utilizes the axial dimension along the rods rather than requiring increased radial size of the rod coupling. Threaded fastening elements engage along the length of the rods, providing adjustment range in the axial direction without enlarging the rod coupling's cross-sectional dimensions, thus avoiding interference with the valve housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thread length of drive rod or valve rod is extended into the housing, then the adjustment flexibility increases, but sealing integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threading and adjustment mechanism is extracted from the housing interior and relocated to the exterior of the connecting housing. The rod coupling half-shells and threaded fastening elements are positioned outside the sealed housing volume, allowing thread engagement for adjustment without compromising the sealing integrity of the housing.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning devices are added to the rod coupling, then the adjustment precision increases, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent half-shells, each with its own fastening elements. This segmentation allows for precise positioning through the relative arrangement of simple, manufacturable components rather than requiring complex integrated positioning mechanisms in a single piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod coupling half-shells serve multiple functions: structural support, positioning, and securing of the rods. The same half-shell structure provides both mechanical strength and positioning capability through integrated fastening elements, eliminating the need for separate specialized positioning devices and simplifying manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (10) for a process plant, comprising an actuating valve (14) and an actuating drive (12) which has an actuating drive housing (20) and a drive rod (18) mounted in the actuating drive housing (20), wherein the actuating drive housing (20) is connected to a valve housing (22) of the actuating valve (14) via a connecting housing. The invention is characterized in that a second rod coupling (46) and an adjusting rod (42) are provided, the adjusting rod (42) being provided in the region between the drive rod (18) and the valve rod (38), one rod coupling (44, 46) coupling the adjusting rod (42) to the drive rod (18), and one rod coupling (44, 46) coupling the adjusting rod (42) to the valve rod (18).