Valve Drive Gear Locking Structure for Reversible Torsion Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices with return springs require different drive gears based on the biasing direction of the springs, leading to increased component types, costs, and management complexity.
Innovation Solution
A valve device design featuring a plate-shaped drive gear with two circumferentially spaced locking portions of hook shape, allowing for shared components to accommodate both clockwise and counterclockwise torsion coil springs, and integrated metal support members for reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different drive gears are prepared for return springs with different biasing directions, then the valve devices can accommodate different specifications, but the types of components increase and component cost and management cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive gear is designed with two locking portions positioned at specific locations on the inner circumference, allowing a single gear design to accommodate return springs with different biasing directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). The locking portions can engage with the hook-shaped end of the return spring regardless of which direction the spring biases, making the drive gear universal for different valve device specifications.
2Reliability
If the drive gear includes hook-shaped locking portions, then the return spring can be locked securely, but it becomes difficult to mold the drive gear using standard mold dies and mold at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is divided into two distinct parts: an extending portion that protrudes from the inner circumference surface, and a distal end portion that extends in the circumferential direction. This segmentation allows the locking portion to be formed as a simple protruding structure during molding, avoiding complex hook shapes that would interfere with mold closure while maintaining the ability to securely engage the return spring.
3Productivity
If multiple drive gears are molded simultaneously, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the hook-shaped locking portions interfere with mold die operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is divided into two distinct parts: an extending portion that protrudes from the inner circumference surface, and a distal end portion that extends in the circumferential direction. This segmentation allows the locking portion to be formed as a simple protruding structure during molding, avoiding complex hook shapes that would interfere with mold closure while maintaining the ability to securely engage the return spring.
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 enables the production of valve devices with different specifications while sharing components, reducing component costs and management complexity, and improving manufacturing efficiency by allowing the drive gear to be molded using standard mold dies.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion coil spring biasing and rotating the gear in one direction and defining a rotation position of the valve body when the actuator is not operating
Implementation Method 2
a rear side of an abutting surface where the support member abuts the shaft is irradiated with laser light through the exposure hole from the other side surface side of the gear with the exposure portion of the support member and the end of the shaft caused to abut each other, to weld the support member and the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A torsion coil spring biasing and rotating a drive gear of a valve device in one direction and defining a rotation position of a valve body when an electric motor is not operating is included, one end of the torsion coil spring is locked at any one of two locking portions provided at the drive gear, the other end is locked at a casing rotatably supporting the valve shaft, the drive gear is a plate-shaped members including two locking portions and formed linearly symmetrically, the locking portions are formed into hook shapes including extending portions extending in a direction away from an inner surface of the drive gear and distal end portions projecting along the inner surface from distal ends of the extending portions. The drive gear includes openings at positions at which the openings overlap the distal end portions in a view in a direction of the axial line.