Valve Actuator Gear Assembly With Selective Torque Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valve actuators for air conditioners face instability in harsh environments due to sensor instability and require separate PCBs for motor stop signals, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator design incorporating a gear assembly with a selective power transmission unit that blocks rotational force to the output gear based on the rotational angle of the output gear, eliminating the need for electronic sensors and separate PCBs by using a mechanical structure for RPM control and over-torque prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic sensors and PCBs are used for motor stop control, then valve actuation control is achieved, but system complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic control system (sensors and PCBs) with a purely mechanical control mechanism. The gear assembly's tooth configuration mechanically limits the output gear's rotation to exactly 90 degrees, automatically stopping the motor without electronic intervention. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electronic sensors and control circuits, thereby reducing system complexity and material costs while maintaining effective valve actuation control.
2Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are used for motor stop detection, then rotation control is achieved, but sensor instability occurs in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unstable electronic sensors with a stable mechanical detection system. The tooth configuration on the gear assembly physically determines the 90-degree rotation limit, providing reliable and consistent rotation control that is immune to environmental harshness. This mechanical detection method eliminates sensor instability issues while maintaining precise rotation control for valve actuation.
3Device complexity
If continuous motor rotation is allowed, then simple control structure is maintained, but over-torque damage occurs to motor and gear assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the gear assembly's tooth structure to automatically prevent over-rotation before damage can occur. The mechanical configuration ensures the output gear stops exactly at 90 degrees, preventing the motor and gear assembly from experiencing over-torque conditions. This preliminary mechanical constraint protects the system components while maintaining a simple control structure without additional sensors or control circuits.
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
This design enhances durability and driving stability by preventing motor and gear assembly damage from over-torque, reduces complexity and material costs, and improves reliability by eliminating electronic sensor instability.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission gear transmitting rotational force of an input gear to an output gear includes a selective power transmission unit, and the selective power transmission unit selectively blocks the rotational force of the input gear transmitted to the output gear according to a rotational angle of the output gear
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a valve actuator (100) including: a motor (120); and a gear assembly receiving driving force of the motor and controlling a valve, in which in the gear assembly, a power transmission gear transmitting rotational force of an input gear to an output gear includes a selective power transmission unit, and when the output gear is in physical contact with a stopper, transmitting the rotational force of the input gear to the output gear is blocked. Accordingly, even after the valve is actuated to close a path, the rotational force of the input gear is not transmitted to the output gear even though the motor is continuously driven.