Valve Assembly Rotatable Element Variable Torque Yoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow due to the need for variable torque profiles, which often require oversized actuators to handle peak torque requirements, leading to increased weight, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly utilizing a linear drive actuator with a rotationally constrained output member and a mechanical linkage that translates linear force into rotational force through a customizable yoke slot with varying pitch profiles, allowing for tailored torque delivery to the valve element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oversized actuators are used to handle peak torque requirements, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the torque transmission mechanism adjustable through a variable pitch yoke slot. The pitch of the slot can be changed to vary the mechanical advantage, allowing the system to adapt torque delivery to actual demand rather than relying on a fixed oversized actuator. This dynamic adjustment enables a smaller actuator to handle peak torques when needed while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by varying the pitch of the yoke slot to alter the torque multiplication ratio. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system can optimize torque delivery for different operating conditions, allowing a compact actuator to provide sufficient torque when required without being oversized for all conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If customizable yoke slot with varying pitch profiles is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the yoke slot into multiple sections with different pitch profiles. Each segment can be optimized for specific torque requirements at different valve positions. This segmentation allows precise torque control through the varying pitch while keeping each individual segment relatively simple to manufacture, balancing precision with manufacturability.
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 solution enables precise torque control, reducing the size and weight of the actuator, lowering costs, and optimizing energy usage by matching demand and effort, while also simplifying the drive train, particularly beneficial in applications like the aerospace industry.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical linkage physically coupling the rotationally constrained output member and the rotatable valve element, wherein the mechanical linkage is configured to translate the linear driving force from the rotationally constrained output member into rotational motion of the valve element
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly and method for rotating a valve assembly including a valve element disposed in a flow path and configured to rotate between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the valve element closes the flow path. A mechanical linkage is connected to the valve element where forces are transferred through the mechanical linkage to rotate the valve element to an open position.