초록 ▼

An attenuating device that is configured to replace motion converters in conventional control valve assemblies. The attenuating device can generate an output displacement in response to a position of a plug relative to a seat in the valve assembly. In one embodiment, the attenuating device comprises

An attenuating device that is configured to replace motion converters in conventional control valve assemblies. The attenuating device can generate an output displacement in response to a position of a plug relative to a seat in the valve assembly. In one embodiment, the attenuating device comprises a spring assembly with a pair of spring members, disposed in series, and configured to assume a deflection that reduces the displacement of the plug to a smaller displacement that is useful to position a target member of a sensor. This embodiment, however, forgoes the mechanisms of conventional devices in lieu of components that are amenable to compact design. In this way, the attenuating device can substantially fit within the existing structure of the valve assembly, and, in one construction, the attenuating device is disposed in the actuator of the valve assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A valve assembly, comprising: a valve having a seat and a plug that is configured to move a first distance relative to the seat;an actuator coupled with the plug, the actuator comprising a housing with a diaphragm disposed therein; andan attenuating device disposed in the housing of the actuator,

1. A valve assembly, comprising: a valve having a seat and a plug that is configured to move a first distance relative to the seat;an actuator coupled with the plug, the actuator comprising a housing with a diaphragm disposed therein; andan attenuating device disposed in the housing of the actuator, the attenuating device having an input member and an output member, both being configured to translate in response to movement of the diaphragm, the attenuating device comprising a pair of resilient members and a first disc, all found entirely within the housing and arranged linearly relative to one another and interposed between the input member and the output member, the first disc disposed between the pair of resilient members so that the pair of resilient members contact opposing sides of the first disc, respectively, each of the pair of resilient members being configured to deflect in accordance with an attenuating characteristic for the attenuating device that reduces a first displacement of the input member to a second displacement of the output member that is less than the first displacement,wherein the second displacement corresponds with a measured value for a position of the plug at the first distance. 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating characteristic is configured so that the second distance is proportionally less than the first distance. 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of resilient members comprise springs, and wherein the attenuating characteristic corresponds with a deflection of the springs interposed between the input member and the output member. 4. The valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the springs are configured to assume the deflection. 5. The valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the springs are disposed in series. 6. The valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the springs comprise a first spring and a second spring, and wherein the deflection comprises a first deflection for the first spring and a second deflection for the second spring that is different from the first deflection. 7. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sensor and a target member that is configured to move a second distance relative to the sensor to register the measured value for the position of the plug, and wherein the second distance corresponds with the second displacement of the output member. 8. The valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 9. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the input member couples with the diaphragm. 10. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the input member contacts the diaphragm. 11. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the output member extends through the housing. 12. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating device comprises a shaft that couples to the output member and the first disc. 13. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating device comprises a shaft disposed interior to one of the pair of resilient members to couple the output member and the first disc. 14. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating device comprises a shaft and the pair of resilient members comprises a coil spring, and wherein the shaft extends inside coils of the coil spring to couple the output member and the first disc. 15. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating device comprises a second disc disposed in contact with only one of the pair of resilient members. 16. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating device comprises a second disc spaced apart from the first disc proximate the diaphragm. 17. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating device comprises a second disc between the input member and the output member in a position closer to the diaphragm than the first disc. 18. The valve assembly of claim 17, wherein only one of the pair of resilient members is interposed between the first disc and the second disc. 19. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the attenuating device comprises a body member that encloses the pair of resilient members, wherein the body member is disposed entirely within the housing. 20. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a seal disposed in the housing to receive the output member therein and maintain pressure inside the actuator.