Valve Operator Assembly Direct Wheel Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional valve operator assemblies for gate valves require a large axial space and consist of numerous components, which is inefficient for compact applications.

Innovation Solution

A valve operator assembly with a direct connection between an operable wheel and a rotating element of the transmission mechanism, utilizing an inverted roller screw mechanism with a nut and screw, where the wheel is mounted directly on the outer surface of the nut, reducing the axial space and component count by eliminating intermediate adapters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional valve operator assembly uses intermediate adapters (adapter sleeve or adapter shaft) to connect the wheel to the rotating element, then the assembly is more adaptable to different valve configurations, but the axial space required increases and the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different valve configurationsVSAvoidaxial space required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate adapters (adapter sleeve or adapter shaft) from the conventional valve operator assembly. By directly connecting the wheel to the rotating element of the transmission mechanism, the patent removes unnecessary components that increase axial space, while maintaining the core functional adaptability through the transmission mechanism itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of the wheel and rotating element by establishing a direct connection between them. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate adapter components, reducing axial space while preserving the ability to adapt to different valve configurations through the integrated transmission mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional valve operator assembly uses intermediate adapters to connect the wheel to the rotating element, then the assembly can accommodate different mounting configurations, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting configuration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the intermediate adapter components from the assembly. By eliminating these separate parts, the patent reduces the total component count while maintaining mounting flexibility through the direct connection design that allows for various installation configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the wheel-directly-connected-to-rotating-element design universal, capable of accommodating different mounting configurations without requiring additional adapter components. The transmission mechanism itself provides the necessary adaptability for various valve types and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of stationary object

If a valve operator assembly uses a direct connection between the wheel and rotating element, then the axial space is reduced and component count is reduced, but the transmission mechanism must handle all loads directly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial space requiredVSAvoidload handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the load path from the wheel directly to the rotating element and transmission mechanism. By eliminating intermediate adapters, all operational loads are transmitted directly through the optimized connection, allowing the transmission mechanism to be designed for efficient load handling without the burden of additional component interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves compactness and reduces the number of components, allowing for efficient axial motion conversion with minimal space and torque requirements, suitable for various valve types including gate, control, and choke valves.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission mechanism comprising a translating element adapted to be connected to the valve translating member of the valve and provided with a thread, and a rotating element connected to the wheel and provided with a thread

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the transmission mechanism is adapted to convert applied rotation of the wheel into axial translation of said translating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3262329B1Valve operator assembly with operable wheel

Publication Date: 2019.04.10 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

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AI summary

The valve operator assembly is provided for a valve and comprises a housing (18), an operable wheel (20) rotatably mounted with respect to said housing, and a transmission mechanism (22) comprising a translating element (24) provided with a thread, and a rotating element (28) connected to the wheel (20) and provided with a thread, said transmission mechanism being adapted to convert applied rotation of the wheel into axial translation of said translating element. The wheel (20) is directly mounted on the rotating element (28) of the transmission mechanism.