Valve Actuator Worm-Gear Layout for Compact Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems require efficient and compact valve actuators that can operate remotely and manually, with reduced power needs and vibration, while maintaining stability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controlled valve actuator with a compact design, utilizing a motor-driven gearbox system that includes spur gears and a worm shaft gear to increase torque and reduce rotation speed, with manual override mechanisms on either side for operator access and stability, allowing for four distinct rotational positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motor-driven gearbox system with spur gears and worm shaft gear is used, then torque is increased and rotation speed is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, gearbox with spur gears, and worm shaft gear into a single integrated actuator assembly. This merging of components achieves the desired torque multiplication and speed reduction while consolidating what would otherwise be separate complex systems into one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual operation or simpler mechanical valve actuation systems with an electrically controlled motor-driven gearbox system. This substitution provides precise control over torque and rotation speed through the gear mechanism, enabling automated and controlled valve operation.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact actuator design is used, then space is reduced, but accessibility for manual operation may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the manual override mechanism on the worm shaft gear, which extends outward from the compact actuator body. This dimensional arrangement allows the override to be accessible from the side rather than requiring access to the top or bottom, enabling manual operation while maintaining a compact overall actuator footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm shaft gear acts as an intermediary element that connects the compact motor-driven mechanism to the manual override system. By placing the override on this intermediate component, the design bridges the gap between the compact internal mechanism and the external operator interface.
3Volume of moving object
If the motor is disposed parallel with the worm shaft gear at a ninety degree angle from the trunnion, then the design becomes more compact, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where the motor is positioned parallel to the worm shaft gear but at a ninety-degree angle from the trunnion. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the internal space utilization and achieves a compact footprint while the gear teeth and shafts are precision-engineered to accommodate the non-traditional geometry.
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 solution provides improved efficiency, reduced power consumption, minimized vibration, and enhanced accessibility for manual operation, ensuring stable and efficient fluid flow control in fire suppression systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can comprise an electrically controlled motor, which provides rotational power to a gear box
Implementation Method 2
a gear box comprising one or more spur gears, used to increase torque and reduce rotation speed. The gears are engaged with a worm shaft gear
Implementation Method 3
The gears are engaged with a worm shaft gear, which is further engaged with a worm gear disposed at ninety degrees from the rotation of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an actuator design that comprises a compact package, a more efficient use of power, and dual manual overrides for easy access. An electrically operated motor provides rotational power to a series of gears in a gearbox. The gears reduce speed and increase torque, and rotate a worm shaft gear that is engaged with a worm gear. The worm shaft gear is disposed parallel to the motor, and the worm gear rotates at a ninety degree angle from the rotation of the motor. The worm gears is coupled with a trunnion, which is engaged with a ball of a valve. Rotation provided by the motor to the gears is transferred to the worm shaft gear, which provides rotation to the worm gear, to the trunnion, resulting in rotation of the ball in the valve.