Vertical Spring Return Valve Actuator with Single Planetary Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring return valve actuators require a bulky design with two planetary gear units and high spring restoring force, increasing production costs and size, and lack a transparent mechanism for checking valve operation.
Innovation Solution
A vertical spring return valve actuator with a single planetary gear unit, a first worm gear, a second worm gear, and a spiral spring, featuring a transparent window for operation verification and a manual opening mechanism using an eccentric cam and variable worm, allowing for reduced part count and compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two planetary gear units are used in conventional valve actuators, then the valve can be opened and closed reliably, but the actuator size becomes bulky and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate planetary gear units into a single integrated planetary gear unit. The first and second planetary gears are merged into one unit with a common sun gear, planetary gears, and ring gear, eliminating the need for separate gear assemblies while maintaining the ability to reliably open and close the valve through coordinated engagement of the merged components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single planetary gear unit is designed to perform multiple functions that previously required two separate units. It can transmit power in both directions, provide over-center latching, and enable manual operation through the handwheel mechanism, making one gear unit universally capable of all necessary valve control operations.
2Force
If high spring restoring force (500-600 Nm) is used in conventional valve actuators, then the valve can be actuated during emergency, but skilled workers are needed for manufacturing and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the spring restoring force parameter from the conventional 500-600 Nm to a lower value range of 100-200 Nm. This parameter change is achieved through the optimized single planetary gear unit that provides better mechanical advantage and more efficient force transmission, allowing the valve to be actuated during emergencies with a less powerful, easier-to-manufacture spring.
Solution Approach 2:
By reducing the spring force requirement, the patent enables the use of simpler, less expensive spring components that are easier to manufacture and replace. The lower force requirement allows for standard manufacturing processes without requiring skilled workers, reducing both manufacturing complexity and production costs.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a transparent window is added to the valve actuator, then valve operation can be easily verified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a transparent or translucent window in the actuator housing that allows visual detection of valve operation. The window may include visual indicators such as colored markers or position indicators that change position or color to indicate valve status, providing easy verification without adding complex electronic sensing or reporting systems.
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 enables a compact, reliable, and easily verifiable valve actuator that automatically opens during power loss and can be manually operated, reducing production costs and preventing valve malfunctions, while allowing for precise control of valve opening and closing angles.
Implementation Method 1
a first worm gear having a first worm disposed around a drive shaft of the motor and a first worm wheel adapted to be engaged with the first worm
Implementation Method 2
a second worm gear having a second worm formed extended from a shaft of the first worm wheel and a second worm wheel adapted to be engaged with the second worm
Implementation Method 3
a planetary gear unit having a sun gear disposed around a shaft of the second worm wheel, planetary gears adapted to be engaged with the sun gear, and a ring gear adapted to be engaged with the planetary gears
Implementation Method 4
a spring return unit having a spring shaft coupled to the output shaft, and a stopper and a spiral spring disposed around the upper and lower sides of the outer surface of the spring shaft
Implementation Method 5
a brake unit disposed on the outer surface of the ring gear and having a brake function
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical spring return valve actuator includes a motor, a first worm gear and a second worm gear driving a sun gear of a planetary gear unit. The sun gear and planetary gears are rotated in a state where a ring gear is fixed by a brake unit during time of a normal operation. Also, a spring shaft, which is coupled to an output shaft of a planetary gear carrier operated cooperatively with the planetary gears , is rotated to permit a valve to be closed. At the time of a blackout, the brake unit is released, so that a spiral spring is unwound to permit the valve to be opened. Further, the valve is opened or closed manually through a valve manual opening and closing unit having a rotation member, a variable worm and a steering wheel.