Multiflex coupling
A compact, easily manufactured, axisymmetric mechanism can be configured to change the magnitude of a short-movement linear motion, or also reverse the movement direction, of an actuator for control of movable elements. The mechanism is bidirectional and reversible, functioning symmetrically, and does not contain any gears nor lead screw threads. It is constantly loaded, so that force change is achieved without mechanical backlash, introducing hysteresis. The movement conversion is generally proportional and suitable for use in actuating a fluid control valve intended for modulating the control of fluids.
1. A mechanical motion converter for use in actuating a valve, comprising:
an active valve actuating element;
a reactive valve actuating element;
a pivot pin; and
a left rocker element and a right rocker element, each of the rocker elements being pivotally supported by the pivot pin, the rocker elements each being disposed axially between the active valve actuating element and the reactive valve actuating element, each of said rocker elements comprising an upward link and a downward link; and
an axial slot in each of the active valve actuating element and the reactive valve actuating element for receiving an end of a corresponding one of the links;
wherein the active valve actuating element, the reactive valve actuating element, and the left and right rocker elements are joined together and translate axially in response to a force exerted by an actuator.
2. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , wherein each of the active valve actuating element and the reactive valve actuating element are disk-shaped.
3. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , wherein the pivot pin is passive, such that it is axially fixed within the mechanism.
4. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , wherein the pivot pin is active, such that it is axially translatable relative to remaining portions of the mechanism.
5. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , wherein each of said links comprises a flat member having a hole therethrough and rounded ends.
6. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , and further comprising:
a hole in each of the links;
a hole in each of the active valve actuating element and the reactive valve actuating element; and
a plurality of lock pins for engaging corresponding holes in the links and the active and reactive elements to secure the active element, the links, and the reactive element together in a manner permitting relative axial movement of each joined component.
7. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 6 , and further comprising a hole in each of the rocker elements for receiving one or more of the lock pins to further secure the active valve actuating element, the links, and the active and reactive valve actuating elements together.
8. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , and further comprising an axial slot in each of the rocker elements, for receiving an opposing end of links extending from one of the active valve actuating element and the reactive valve actuating element.
9. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 8 , wherein each of the active valve actuating element, the reactive valve actuating element, and the left and right rocker elements comprise two axial slots for receiving lock pin ends.
10. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , and further comprising a flat disk spring attached to an upper surface of the active valve actuating element.
11. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 7 , wherein each of the rocker elements comprises a hole for receiving the pivot pin and two holes for receiving lock pins, the two lock pin holes being disposed on opposed sides of the pivot pin hole.
12. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 11 , wherein the two lock pin holes on each rocker element are substantially identically spaced from the pivot pin hole and axial movement of the active valve actuating element is substantially equal to axial movement of the reactive valve actuating element responsive to a force applied by an actuator.
13. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 11 , wherein the two lock pin holes on each rocker element are differently spaced from the pivot hole, and axial movement of the active valve actuating element is greater than axial movement of the reactive valve actuating element responsive to a force applied by an actuator.
14. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 11 , wherein the two lock pin holes on each rocker element are differently spaced from the pivot hole, and axial movement of the active valve actuating element is less than axial movement of the reactive valve actuating element responsive to a force applied by an actuator.
15. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , wherein the active valve actuating element and the reactive valve actuating element move in the same axial direction responsive to a force applied by an actuator.
16. The mechanical motion converter as recited in claim 1 , wherein the active valve actuating element and the reactive valve actuating element move in opposing axial directions responsive to a force applied by an actuator.