Electrically Actuated Valve Seal Alignment With Positioning Pins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of seals in electrically operated valves is complex and costly due to the need for precise alignment of mechanically unstable seals between the electronics and actuator housings, requiring intricate assembly devices and being sensitive to length deviations along the valve's longitudinal axis.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with dowel pins and recesses is used to align the electronics housing relative to the actuator housing, allowing for self-alignment during assembly and precise fixing, which simplifies and cost-reduces the seal clamping process while compensating for length deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seals are clamped between the electronics housing and actuator housing, then the electrical connections and components are protected from environmental influences, but the assembly becomes complex and costly due to the mechanically unstable nature of the seals requiring precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device enables self-alignment of the electronics housing relative to the actuator housing during assembly. The dowel pins automatically guide the housing into the correct position, eliminating the need for complex external alignment tools and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning device with dowel pins and corresponding recesses is introduced as an intermediary element between the electronics housing and actuator housing. This mediator ensures precise alignment and stable positioning, allowing the seal to be properly clamped without requiring complex assembly procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If precision alignment is achieved through complex assembly devices, then seal alignment precision is improved, but the assembly process becomes more costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device with dowel pins is pre-integrated into the actuator housing assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the electronics housing is attached, alignment is automatically achieved without requiring complex external alignment tools during the assembly process, thereby maintaining precision while simplifying manufacturing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electronics housing is rigidly fixed to compensate for length deviations, then alignment stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate manufacturing tolerances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device combines rigid dowel pins for precise positioning with slightly fitting recesses that provide controlled play. This composite approach—rigid element with intentional clearance—enables the system to maintain alignment stability while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and length deviations in the valve assembly.
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 solution enhances the seal's tightness over the valve's life and simplifies the assembly process, making it less costly and more efficient by using a self-aligning mechanism that maintains seal integrity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A valve body (not shown) is displaceable along a longitudinal valve axis (2) in an approximately cuboid-shaped valve housing (1) by means of two opposing electromagnetic actuators (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Revealed is an electrically actuated valve with a hydraulic unit consisting of a valve housing and at least one electric actuator. Electronics are attached to the hydraulic unit and precisely positioned to prevent a seal between the electronics and the actuator from slipping or folding over. A positioning device is incorporated between the electronics and the hydraulic unit for this purpose.