Valve Actuator Manual Override Locking for Fixed Stem Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve actuators lack a mechanism to lock the manual operating mechanism after operation, making it difficult to maintain the valve stem in a fixed position.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator design that includes a support body with circumferentially distributed locking structures, an operating member that can rotate relative to the support body to locked positions, and a locking member that engages with the locking structures to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual operating mechanism is provided to manually drive the valve stem, then the valve can be operated manually, but the operating member cannot be locked after operation and the valve stem cannot be maintained in a fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into multiple locking structures distributed along the circumferential direction, each corresponding to a specific angular position. This segmentation allows the operating member to be locked at multiple discrete positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the operating member and the locking structures. The locking member engages with the locking structures to prevent rotation of the operating member, thereby maintaining the valve stem in a fixed position without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple locking structures are distributed circumferentially to enable positioning at multiple angles, then precise angular control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to universally engage with multiple locking structures that are distributed circumferentially. This single locking member can interact with all locking structures along the circumferential direction, enabling precise angular positioning at multiple discrete angles while avoiding the need for separate locking mechanisms for each position.
3Reliability
If the locking member moves along a trajectory away from the first axis to engage locking structures, then the locking mechanism becomes more functional, but the overall structure becomes more complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to move along a trajectory that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis (the rotational axis of the operating member). This dimensional change in the movement trajectory allows the locking member to engage with locking structures distributed circumferentially without requiring a large radial space, thus achieving reliable locking while maintaining a compact structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve actuator includes a support body (10), an operating member (30) and a locking member (50). The support body is provided with a plurality of locking structures (12). The plurality of locking structures are distributed in a circumferential direction (C), with an axis surrounded by the circumferential direction being defined as a first axis (L1). The operating member is rotatably connected to the support body about the first axis. The locking member is movably connected to the operating member. The operating member can rotate relative to the support body to a plurality of locked positions. Each locked position corresponds to one of the locking structures. When the operating member is in the locked position, the locking member can move relative to the operating member to engage with the corresponding locking structure to prevent the operating member from rotating relative to the support body. The valve actuator can enable locking and unlocking of the operating member.