Valve Positioner Coupling With Internal Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems are cumbersome and prone to spillage due to the use of external tubing for connecting valve positioners to valve actuators, leading to complexity and inefficiency in proportional control of valve stems.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with internal means of fluid connection between the valve positioner and actuator, utilizing a coupling element and stem extension with channels for fluid communication, reducing the need for external tubing and enabling a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external tubing is used to connect valve positioner to valve actuator, then fluid can be routed between components, but the system becomes cumbersome and prone to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid connection function into the mechanical coupling structure itself. The coupling element incorporates internal fluid passages that connect the valve positioner to the valve actuator, eliminating the need for separate external tubing. This merging of mechanical support and fluid transport functions into a single integrated component resolves the contradiction by removing cumbersome external tubing while maintaining reliable fluid connection.
2Productivity
If external tubing is used for fluid connection, then components can be connected, but the system becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element combines mechanical coupling and fluid transport functions into a single integrated component. The internal fluid passages are formed within the coupling element structure, eliminating separate external tubing and reducing system complexity. This integration streamlines the control system and improves productivity by removing unnecessary components and simplifying the fluid connection path.
3Device complexity
If internal means of fluid connection are used, then system complexity is reduced and spillage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed as an integrated component where fluid passages are formed as part of the coupling element structure. This integration, while requiring sophisticated manufacturing processes for creating internal channels, simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate tubing components and reducing assembly steps. The manufacturing complexity is concentrated in a single component rather than distributed across multiple parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system comprising:a valve (4) including a valve stem (13);a valve actuator (2) for controlling opening and closing of the valve (4) and comprising a piston (14) coupled to the valve stem (13) and defining a first chamber (6) of the valve actuator (2),a valve positioner (3) for controlling the valve actuator (2) and adjusting the position of the valve stem (13), anda coupling system (10) comprising:a coupling element (20) for connecting the valve positioner (3) to the valve actuator (2), the coupling element (10) comprising a first channel (22) in fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the valve positioner (3);a stem extension (30) that moves with the valve stem (13) and comprises a second channel (32) in fluid communication with the first channel (22) and the first chamber (6) of the valve actuator (2)