External Shaft Connection Assembly for Vane Actuator Tolerance Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for vane actuators and external shafts face tolerance issues, leading to motion transmission errors due to undesirable gaps, which are often addressed by costly additional hardware or time-consuming disassembly.
Innovation Solution
An external shaft connection assembly with a connector post and upper shaft featuring expansion slots and a compression ferrule, along with a connecting fastener, that compresses to eliminate gaps and ensure precise engagement between the vane actuator and valve stem, utilizing a set screw for additional alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional connectors with fixed dimensions are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but gaps between the vane and valve shaft cause motion transmission errors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector post incorporates expansion slots that allow it to dynamically change its outer diameter. The post can be compressed radially inward during assembly and then expands to engage the vane shaft, transitioning from a fixed to a variable dimension structure. This dynamic adjustment eliminates gaps while maintaining a relatively simple overall connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector post's outer diameter parameter is made variable through the expansion slots. By changing the radial dimension of the post after initial positioning, the connection precision is improved without requiring complex pre-adjustment mechanisms. The parameter change occurs in-situ during the connection process.
2Manufacturing precision
If tertiary hardware is introduced to address motion transmission errors, then connection precision improves, but the actuator cannot be flush mounted and additional costly hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion slot mechanism is integrated directly into the connector post, which is part of the actuator's structural body. This merging of the adjustment mechanism into the main structure eliminates the need for separate tertiary hardware components, allowing flush mounting while maintaining high motion transmission accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector post performs its own alignment and gap elimination function through the expansion slots, without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or additional hardware. The structure serves itself by expanding to match the vane shaft geometry, eliminating the need for costly support structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If structural adjustments are made within the actuator to eliminate gaps, then motion transmission errors are reduced, but time-consuming disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion slots are pre-configured in the connector post during manufacturing, allowing the post to be compressed and inserted without disassembly. The structural adjustment capability is prepared in advance, enabling quick installation by simply compressing the post radially inward to engage the vane shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector post allows for dynamic structural adjustment during assembly through radial compression and expansion. This eliminates the need for time-consuming disassembly and reconfiguration, as the post can be quickly adjusted in-situ to eliminate gaps and achieve precise connection.
4Reliability
If the connector post is made adjustable to match vane shaft geometry, then mechanical slop is minimized, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector post is segmented with expansion slots that divide the post's structure into sections. This segmentation allows independent radial adjustment of different portions of the post, enabling precise matching to the vane shaft geometry while maintaining a relatively simple overall design. The slots create discrete adjustment zones rather than requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
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 minimizes mechanical slop and inaccuracies by expanding the connector post and upper shaft to match the vane shaft geometry, reducing transmission errors and deviations in motion, without requiring additional costly hardware or disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting fastener configured to compress the external shaft connector towards the compression ferrule and the vane actuator such that one or more expansion slots of the external shaft connector expand outward upon compression against the compression ferrule
Implementation Method 2
a set screw to be received through the set screw hole and configured to engage and compress the valve stem against the connector recess
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to an external shaft connection assembly. In particular, an external shaft connection assembly for use with vane actuators is disclosed. In various aspects, the disclosed assembly includes an external shaft connector to connect a valve to the vane actuator, an upper shaft to connect a positioner the vain actuator and a compression ferrule to ensure a tight fit with the vane actuator in order to overcome mechanical slop and inefficiencies in motion transmission due to variances in manufacturing tolerances.