Valve Mounting Adaptor Thermal Buffer Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Control valves face challenges in regulating hot fluids or gases, as excess heat can damage electrical or mechanical components of the valve actuator, and existing solutions lack a versatile and effective method to manage thermal protection.

Innovation Solution

A mounting adaptor system that includes a thermal riser assembly and a mounting adaptor, which provides a thermal buffer between the valve and the actuator, allowing for optional use of the thermal riser to dissipate heat and includes a driver aperture and mounting posts for engaging with various valve and actuator configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thermal riser assembly is used to protect the actuator from heat, then the actuator is protected from heat damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator protection from heat damageVSAvoidvalve assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the valve body, the thermal riser assembly (which can be optionally installed), and the actuator. The mounting adaptor further segments the connection interface, providing separate mounting posts for thermal riser engagement and a driver aperture for actuator coupling. This segmentation allows the thermal protection function to be added or removed based on operational needs without affecting the core valve functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting adaptor serves multiple functions: it provides a mechanical connection interface between the actuator and valve, offers mounting points for the thermal riser assembly when heat protection is needed, and maintains proper alignment through its structured geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the thermal riser assembly is made optional, then the adaptability of the valve assembly is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in thermal protection useVSAvoidassembly and disassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting adaptor is pre-configured with integrated mounting posts and engagement features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the thermal riser assembly to be quickly attached or detached by simple alignment and engagement actions, rather than requiring complex assembly procedures. The preliminary structuring of the adaptor enables rapid configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system effectively protects the actuator from heat damage while allowing for flexible use of the thermal riser, ensuring reliable operation of the valve assembly regardless of the fluid or gas temperature.

Implementation Method 1

provides a thermal buffer between the valve and the actuator, allowing for optional use of the thermal riser to dissipate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal buffer: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS8733735B2Valve mounting adaptor

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY CO

AI summary

A mounting adaptor for a valve actuator includes a driver aperture configured to receive a valve actuator driver. The mounting adaptor further includes a plurality of mounting posts configured to engage a thermal riser or a valve attachment pad.