Valve Actuation Adjustment Using Plunger Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve actuating devices with manual control elements and compensating devices lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the maximum distance between the valve seat and the distal end of the control element, leading to incomplete valve opening and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a plunger formed on the proximal end of the control element, a receptacle with a plunger removal opening, and an adjusting device that allows for adjustable maximum distance between the valve seat and the distal end, enabling precise control through a motion thread and support spring, simplifying the actuation mechanism and reducing effort required for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a compensating device with a plunger and receptacle is used to allow relative movement between the manual control element and the control element, then the valve actuation mechanism becomes more complex, but the ability to adjust the maximum distance between the valve seat and the distal end of the control element is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of maximum distanceVSAvoidcomplexity of actuation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating device is divided into distinct functional components: a manual control element, a control element, and a compensating device with a plunger and receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall adjustability, resolving the contradiction between complexity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compensating device enables dynamic adjustment of the maximum distance between the valve seat and the distal end of the control element. The plunger can move relative to the control element within the receptacle, providing adjustable positioning that adapts to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the plunger is formed on the proximal end of the control element and the receptacle is formed on the manual control element, then the manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger and receptacle are formed as separate components on different elements (control element and manual control element respectively), allowing independent manufacturing optimization. The plunger can be made from materials suitable for precision movement while the receptacle can be manufactured with complex geometry for manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manual control element serves multiple functions: it provides the manual operating interface and simultaneously houses the receptacle for the compensating device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing manufacturing flexibility with structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If an adjusting device is added to adjust the maximum distance between the valve seat and the distal end of the control element, then the valve positioning precision is improved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve positioning precisionVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting device enables dynamic repositioning of the control element relative to the valve seat through the compensating mechanism. The plunger can be adjusted to different positions within the receptacle, allowing precise control of the maximum distance while maintaining ease of operation through the manual control element interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration allows for easy adjustment of the valve's open and closed positions, reduces operational complexity, and enhances the valve's responsiveness to pressure changes, ensuring reliable and efficient operation with minimal manual effort.

Implementation Method 1

a restoring element is present, which counteracts the relative movement with a restoring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an adjusting device is formed with which a maximum distance can be adjusted between a valve seat of the valve and the distal end of the control element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3521672B1Valve actuation device
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 NEOPERL GMBH
  • EP3521672B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3521672B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3521672B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

In a valve actuation device (1), it is proposed to form a compensating device (6) between a hand control element (2) and a control element (4) with which a valve (3) can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, with which the control element (4) can be moved relative to the hand control element (2) against a restoring force of a restoring element (9) and towards or away from it, wherein the restoring element (9) is arranged outside the compensating device (6) and/or a plunger (8) is arranged on the control element (4) and guided in a receptacle (7) of the compensating device (6), wherein additionally or alternatively an adjusting device (34) is formed with which the control element (4) can be moved away from or towards the hand control element (2).