Valve Actuation Coupling for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical fluid injection systems, variability in the precise location of valve devices due to manufacturing tolerances leads to misalignment between valve devices and actuation devices, resulting in stress on components and potential connection or component failure.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuation device with a movable coupling that can align with the valve member coupling, allowing independent movement relative to the drive mechanism to accommodate variable locations and reduce misalignment, thereby facilitating a suitable coupling and reducing stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the valve device is attached to a fluid reservoir with variable placement, then the system is easier to assemble and more adaptable, but misalignment occurs between the valve device and valve actuation device due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuation coupling is designed to move independently of the drive mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate variations in valve device location caused by manufacturing tolerances and fluid reservoir placement variability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable valve actuation coupling acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the valve member coupling, absorbing misalignment through its independent movement capability while still transmitting the actuation force effectively
2Power
If the valve actuation coupling is rigidly connected to the drive mechanism, then the actuation force is transmitted efficiently, but stress is imparted on components due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuation coupling transitions from a rigid connection to a dynamic, movable connection that can adjust its position independently, maintaining effective force transmission while reducing stress concentration on connected components
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the valve actuation coupling independently from the drive mechanism, allowing the coupling to accommodate misalignment while the drive mechanism maintains its actuation force capability
3Reliability
If the valve actuation coupling moves independently, then misalignment is compensated and component life is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuation coupling is designed with independent movement capability through simple mechanical means, providing reliability benefits through misalignment compensation without requiring complex control systems or additional actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid injection system includes a valve device and a valve actuation device. The valve device has a valve member and a valve member coupling. The valve member has an open position that permits fluid to pass through and a closed position that prevents fluid from passing through. The valve member coupling is configured, when actuated, to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions. The valve actuation device having a valve actuation coupling and a drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is coupled to the valve member coupling and drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is movable independent of the drive mechanism to couple the valve actuation coupling to the valve member coupling. And, the valve actuation coupling is movable with the drive mechanism to actuate the valve member coupling to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions.