Valve Control Actuator Direct Shaft Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve control actuators for fluid control valves are complicated to connect and require separate mounting adapters, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A valve control actuator with a connector shaft and a resilient locking member that allows direct connection to the valve control shaft, using a ring-shaped wire spring for axial locking, enabling quick and tool-free attachment and detachment without the need for additional adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring element is used to lock the actuator to a mounting adapter, then the actuator can be securely connected to the valve, but the connection process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate mounting adapter component from the system. The actuator connects directly to the valve control shaft without requiring an intermediate mounting adapter, thereby eliminating the complexity and time associated with assembling and disassembling the spring element and adapter while maintaining secure connection through the resilient locking member that engages directly with the control shaft
2Reliability
If a separate mounting adapter is used to connect the actuator to the valve, then the connection can be secured, but the device complexity increases and part count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the actuator and mounting adapter functions into a single integrated connection mechanism. The valve shaft connector with its resilient locking member directly engages the valve control shaft, eliminating the need for a separate mounting adapter and reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The valve shaft connector serves multiple functions: it provides axial locking through the resilient locking member, transmits rotational motion to the control shaft, and enables direct connection without additional adapters. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed in the system
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
Facilitates easy and rapid connection and disconnection of the valve control actuator to the fluid control valve, reducing complexity and part count while ensuring secure locking and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient locking member extending through at least a portion of said axial opening and arranged to co-operate with a retaining shoulder of said valve control shaft for axial locking of the connector shaft to the valve control shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve control actuator for a fluid control valve (3), the valve control actuator comprising a valve shaft connector (5) arranged for connecting the valve control actuator (1) to a valve control shaft (7) of the fluid control valve (3) and turning the valve control shaft (7), The valve shaft connector (5) comprises a connector shaft (9) having an axial opening (11) adapted to receive at least a portion (7a) of the valve control shaft (7), and a resilient locking member (13) extending through at least a portion of said axial opening (11) and arranged to co-operate with a retaining shoulder (15) of said valve control shaft (7) for axial locking of the connector shaft (9) to the valve control shaft (7).