Valve Stem Retaining Pin for Actuator Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection molding machines with valve gated nozzles face challenges in efficiently coupling and decoupling the valve stem from the actuator, requiring costly manufacturing and potential for the valve stem to become frozen in the closed position, which complicates assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A retaining pin system is used to couple the valve stem directly to the actuator's moveable member, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, with a design that includes a male and female coupling portion and a retaining pin to secure the valve stem in place, enabling easy decoupling at any stroke position without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional coupling methods are used for valve stem and actuator, then the valve stem can be retained, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate male and female coupling portions that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The valve stem has a male coupling portion that nests into a female coupling portion on the actuator, allowing simple manufacturing of each component while enabling easy assembly and disassembly without complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The male coupling portion is designed to nest within the female coupling portion, creating a compact and simple coupling structure. This nested design eliminates the need for complex external fasteners or multi-component assembly mechanisms, reducing both manufacturing cost and device complexity while maintaining secure retention.
2Reliability
If traditional retention mechanisms are used, then the valve stem can be secured, but the valve stem may become frozen in the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism allows the valve stem to be dynamically coupled and decoupled from the actuator. The simple nested design with retaining pins enables the valve stem to move freely during operation while maintaining secure retention, and can be quickly decoupled at any stroke position without freezing or binding issues that plague more complex retention mechanisms.
3Strength
If additional components are used for coupling, then the valve stem can be securely retained, but the assembly process requires more components and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining pin is integrated directly into the male coupling portion of the valve stem, combining the retention function with the coupling structure. This eliminates the need for separate retaining clips, screws, or other additional components, while still providing secure retention strength through the nested coupling design.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of coupling and decoupling a valve stem to an actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a moveable member that is coupled to the valve stem. One of the valve stem and the moveable member is a male coupling portion and the other of the valve stem and moveable member is the female coupling portion. The male coupling portion is nested within the female coupling portion. A retaining pin retains the male coupling portion with respect to the female coupling portion.