Valve Exerciser Speed Control Maintaining Position

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional valve exercisers face challenges in safely controlling the speed and torque of valve operation, as they often return to zero speed when the operator releases the control, potentially leading to excessive torque or unsafe rotational speeds, which can damage the valve.

Innovation Solution

A valve exercising apparatus with a speed control that maintains the selected speed and direction of rotation even after the operator's hand is removed, featuring a lever-based speed control and torque control to adjust the motor's operation, ensuring safe and controlled valve operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the speed control returns to zero position when operator releases it, then the control is simple and safe from unintended operation, but the valve may experience excessive torque or unsafe rotational speeds during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operation safetyVSAvoidspeed control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The speed control system transitions from a static zero-return design to a dynamic memory-based system where the control position is maintained after operator release. The memory circuit stores the last commanded speed position, allowing the valve to operate at controlled speeds without continuous operator input, while still preventing unintended high-speed operation through controlled deceleration to zero.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-return speed control with an electromechanical system incorporating memory circuits and controlled deceleration logic. The memory circuit electronically stores the speed command position, and the controlled deceleration mechanism replaces the immediate spring-return action, providing safer operation while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the speed control maintains position after operator release, then the valve operation speed is controlled and safe, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed control safetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex continuous control mechanisms with a simpler memory-based discrete control system. The memory circuit stores a finite set of speed positions, and the system transitions between these discrete states using controlled acceleration and deceleration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter from continuous speed adjustment to discrete memory-stored speed positions. By quantizing the speed control into specific maintained positions rather than continuous adjustment, the system achieves safety without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the shaft rotates at high speed continuously, then the valve operation is efficient, but the torque may become excessive and damage the valve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operation efficiencyVSAvoidexcessive torque on valve

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic acceleration and deceleration cycles rather than continuous high-speed rotation. The valve operates at controlled speeds with intentional deceleration phases, creating a periodic motion pattern that maintains operational efficiency while preventing excessive torque accumulation and potential valve damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The controlled deceleration mechanism acts as a cushioning measure before the valve reaches positions where excessive torque could cause damage. By proactively reducing speed before critical operations, the system prevents harmful torque spikes while maintaining efficient overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11391385B1Valve exerciser controls

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 HURCO TECH

AI summary

A valve operating apparatus with controls may include a speed control engageable by a hand of an operator of the apparatus to control a speed characteristic for operating the valve. The speed control may have a zero position corresponding to a zero speed of rotation of a shaft for connecting to the valve, with the speed control being movable out of the zero position to a nonzero position corresponding to a nonzero speed of rotation. A degree of movement of the speed control from the zero position may correspond to a speed of rotation of the shaft such that further movement of the control away from the zero position increases the speed of rotation. Movement of the speed control from the zero position may be characterized by the speed control maintaining the position of the speed control when engagement of the control by the hand of the operator is discontinued.