Valve Device With Pneumatic Cam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing devices require electricity to control valves, which limits their application in scenarios where electrical supply is not available, such as in explosion-proof environments.
Innovation Solution
A valve device that uses a rotatable control cam with a concave and convex shape, driven by a pressurized medium, to open and close valves without electrical power, employing a conversion transmission system to convert reciprocating motion into rotational motion and a clutch to transmit rotational torque, allowing valves to be controlled using a pressurized medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic valves and electric sequencers are used to control sealing devices, then the valves can be precisely controlled, but electricity must be supplied which limits application in explosion-proof environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic valves and electric sequencers with a purely mechanical control system consisting of control cams, valve members, and linkages. The control cams rotate to mechanically open and close valves without requiring electricity, enabling use in explosion-proof environments while maintaining reliable control through direct mechanical actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pressurized medium (pneumatic or hydraulic system) to rotate the control cams and actuate the valves. The driving device converts pneumatic/hydraulic pressure into rotational motion of the control cams, which then mechanically control the valves without electrical components, solving the contradiction between control reliability and adaptability to explosion-proof environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pressurized medium is used to drive the control cam, then electricity is not required, but the conversion from reciprocating motion to rotational motion adds mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a driving device as an intermediary mechanism that converts reciprocating motion from the pressurized medium into rotational motion of the control cam. This intermediary component (including conversion mechanism and transmission elements) bridges the gap between linear pneumatic/hydraulic actuation and rotational cam operation, enabling power supply independence while managing mechanical complexity through functional decomposition
3Ease of operation
If the control cam rotates only in one direction, then valve control is simplified, but the drag force required to prevent reverse rotation increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotational control into discrete unidirectional steps using control cams with specific cam profiles. Each cam is designed to rotate only in the required direction to actuate specific valves, with the drag member providing minimal resistance only when necessary to prevent reverse rotation. This segmentation allows simplified valve control while minimizing energy loss through targeted rather than continuous drag application
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
Enables the control of valves without electrical supply, providing a reliable and explosion-proof solution for sealing devices by ensuring consistent rotational motion and precise positioning of the control cams.
Implementation Method 1
a driving device adapted to rotate the control cam only in a first rotational direction, out of the first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction, by being supplied with a pressurized medium
Implementation Method 2
the conversion transmission portion includes a rack secured to the movable member, a pinion adapted to rotate by engaging with the rack
Implementation Method 3
the driving device includes a drag member adapted to apply a drag force to the movable member, when the movable member performs the forward motion
Implementation Method 4
a lock member adapted to lock the rotary member when the control cam is positioned at the original position
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve device includes a control device adapted to control a valve without being supplied with electricity. The control device includes at least one rotatable control cam having an outer periphery with a concave and convex shape, and a driving device adapted to rotate the control cam only in a first rotational direction, out of the first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction, by being supplied with a pressurized medium. The valve is placed such that a switch portion comes in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the control cam, in order that the valve is opened and closed by the control cam being rotated.