Valve Coupling for Manual Emergency Opening Without Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water damage protection devices are difficult to open manually in emergency situations without a power supply, such as during a fire, which can hinder the provision of extinguishing water.
Innovation Solution
A water damage protection device with a coupling device that allows manual rotation of the closure part, enabling the valve to be opened from a fully closed state to a partially or fully open state without requiring electrical power, using a play angle range that allows emergency access to water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motorized actuator is used to close the valve automatically, then water damage protection is improved, but the valve cannot be opened in emergency situations without electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into a motor coupling element and a manual actuator coupling element that can independently engage with the closure part shaft. This allows the system to switch between motorized operation and manual emergency operation by simply disengaging the motor while maintaining the mechanical connection for manual actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is pre-configured with multiple coupling elements (motor coupling element and manual actuator coupling element) that are ready to engage with the closure part shaft. In case of power failure, the manual actuator coupling element is already positioned and designed to immediately take over without requiring additional setup or disassembly operations.
2Ease of operation
If existing emergency release mechanisms are implemented, then emergency opening is possible, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The motor actuator and manual actuator are merged through a common coupling device that provides a unified interface to the closure part shaft. Both actuators share the same coupling elements (first coupling element and second coupling element), eliminating the need for separate emergency release mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it enables motorized actuation during normal operation, allows manual actuation during emergencies, and provides a unified interface for both operation modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate emergency release mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the manual actuator is permanently coupled to the closure part, then emergency opening is simplified, but the motor actuator cannot effectively control the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct coupling elements: a first coupling element for the motor actuator and a second coupling element for the manual actuator. Both elements can independently engage with the closure part shaft, allowing the motor to effectively control the valve during normal operation while the manual actuator remains ready for emergency use.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device provides dynamic engagement capabilities where the motor actuator and manual actuator can alternately connect to and disconnect from the closure part shaft. This dynamic switching allows the motor to provide precise control during normal operation while enabling quick manual takeover during emergencies without permanent coupling constraints.
Data Source
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AI summary
A water damage protection device for automatically sealing a pipe, comprising: - a connector with an inlet, an outlet and a valve with a rotatable closure element, - an actuator with which the rotatable closure element is rotatable, - an electronic control unit which generates control signals for the actuator depending on measurement signals from at least one sensor, wherein the water damage protection device further comprises a manual actuating element for manually rotating the closure element, wherein an actuator shaft is coupled to a closure element shaft via a coupling device (10), wherein the coupling device (10) is designed such that when the actuator shaft is rotated in a first direction of rotation (ED), the actuator shaft positively engages with the closure element shaft by means of at least one first stop and rotates the closure element shaft in the first direction of rotation (ED).and wherein the coupling device (10) is further configured such that, starting from the at least one first stop, the closing part shaft can be rotated in the first direction of rotation (ED) at least over a clearance angle range (S) relative to the actuator shaft. With the water damage protection device, a closed valve can be opened easily, quickly and safely in an emergency without a power supply.