Failsafe Valve Latching With Torsional Spring Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Actuated valves can become stuck in a partially open or closed position if the actuator fails, leading to operational inefficiencies and safety concerns, particularly in applications like refueling where a failsafe mechanism is required to ensure the valve closes in case of actuator failure.

Innovation Solution

A failsafe valve system that includes a failsafe drive adapter and a torsional spring, which automatically drives the valve to a predefined position (fully open or closed) in case of actuator failure, using a solenoid and position sensors to manage the re-latching and energy storage for future failsafe events, ensuring energy efficiency and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a failsafe mechanism is added to drive the valve to a predefined position upon actuator failure, then the reliability and safety of the valve system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components such as torsional spring, solenoid, and position sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve failsafe functionalityVSAvoidfailsafe system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The failsafe drive adapter integrates multiple functions into a single component: it couples the actuator to the valve, stores energy via torsional spring, and enables failsafe operation. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The torsional spring is pre-loaded during normal operation to store energy in advance. When actuator failure occurs, this pre-stored energy immediately drives the valve to the predefined position without requiring additional power or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If continuous electrical power is used to maintain valve operation, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption increases and the system becomes vulnerable to power failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous power consumption, the system uses periodic action where the actuator operates normally during powered periods and the pre-loaded torsional spring takes over during failure periods. This reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of power failure into a benefit by using the torsional spring to store energy during normal operation and release it during failure. The actuator's normal operation inadvertently charges the spring, which then provides failsafe protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the valve is designed to remain in a partially open/closed position during actuator failure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and operational reliability deteriorate due to unintended fluid flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control systemVSAvoidunintended fluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The torsional spring is pre-loaded during normal operation to create a counteracting force that will automatically drive the valve to a safe predefined position upon actuator failure. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect of unintended fluid flow before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-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 ensures the valve returns to a safe state upon actuator failure, maintaining operational efficiency and safety by using stored energy to drive the valve to a predetermined position without requiring continuous electrical power, thus preventing unintended fluid flow.

Implementation Method 1

A failsafe valve system that includes a failsafe drive adapter and a torsional spring, which automatically drives the valve to a predefined position (fully open or closed) in case of actuator failure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

using a solenoid and position sensors to manage the re-latching and energy storage for future failsafe events

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentEP4108962A1Failsafe actuated valve

Publication Date: 2022.12.28 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

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AI summary

A failsafe valve system configured to bring the valve to a predefined state (e.g., fully opened, fully closed) if the actuator fails (e.g., loss of power). The failsafe system of the present disclosure is energy efficient and reliable.