Tool-Free Valve Actuator Assembly with Spring Retainer Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve actuator systems face challenges in installation and maintenance, particularly in cramped and poorly illuminated areas, where access is difficult due to their design and location within structures.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator assembly with an actuator housing that can be releasably engaged with a valve without tools, featuring a spring retainer clip and button element to facilitate easy attachment and detachment in any discrete radial orientation, allowing for tool-free installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional valve actuators are installed in cramped and poorly illuminated areas, then the valve control function is achieved, but installation and maintenance become difficult due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator housing incorporates a button element that enables the user to manually release the retainer clip and detach the actuator from the valve without requiring any external tools. This self-service mechanism allows single-handed operation, making installation and maintenance accessible even in cramped, poorly illuminated areas where tool access is difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is extracted from a traditional tool-based fastening system (screws, bolts, or clips requiring pliers) and replaced with a button-actuated release system. This extraction of the tool requirement while maintaining the retention function enables tool-free installation and maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator housing is designed to releasably engage the valve mounting flange, then tool-free installation is enabled, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clip is designed as a resilient, curved component that can be elastically deformed by the button element for release, yet maintains sufficient structural integrity to provide reliable retention during normal operation. This resilient curvature allows the clip to flex during installation and removal while providing strong, dependable connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The button element is positioned and dimensioned to apply force at a specific location on the retainer clip that ensures reliable engagement with the mounting flange during installation. This pre-positioned force application point ensures consistent, dependable connection while still allowing easy release when activated.
3Ease of repair
If the actuator can be detached without tools, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The button element and retainer clip release function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The button element directly actuates the retainer clip's release feature, combining the release actuator and retention member into one cohesive system that provides tool-free maintenance capability without requiring separate release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The button element serves multiple functions: it acts as the release actuator, provides mechanical leverage to overcome the retainer clip's retention force, and guides the release motion along the intended path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 easy and tool-free installation and maintenance of valve actuators in confined spaces, improving accessibility and reducing the complexity of handling in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring retainer clip disposed about the spacer element and configured to bias the spring retainer clip in a first lateral direction away from the valve and translate the spring retainer clip in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction when force is applied to the spring retainer clip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A valve actuator assembly (10) may include a valve (30) having a mounting adapter (34) and an actuator housing (20) configured to releasably and non-rotatably attach to the mounting adapter (34) without tools. The actuator housing (20) may be attached at any one of a plurality of discrete radial orientations. In some instances, the actuator housing (20) may include a spring retainer clip (50) configured to engage the mounting adapter (34), and a button element (40) configured to engage the spring retainer clip (50) to release the spring retainer clip (50) from the mounting adapter (34).