Adjustable Magnetic Check Valve for Backflow and Full Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Check valves face issues with fluctuating between open and closed states due to zero pressure differential during system idling or shutdown, leading to undesired backflow, and existing adjustable solutions require multiple adjustments and can restrict flow or trap debris.
Innovation Solution
A magnet-based check valve that adjusts the attractive force between magnets or a magnet and a ferromagnetic member to control the opening pressure, allowing for manual adjustment of the differential pressure required for valve opening, preventing backflow and ensuring full flow passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring force is used for valve closure, then the valve can be closed at low differential pressure, but the valve opening pressure increases progressively and flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field system. Magnets positioned in a magnet assembly create a magnetic force that acts on a ferromagnetic member attached to the valve closure, providing the closing force without the progressive tension increase characteristic of springs. This substitution maintains reliable valve closure at low differential pressures while eliminating the progressive pressure increase that restricts flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the closing force mechanism from elastic deformation (spring) to magnetic field interaction. By adjusting the position of the magnets or the strength of the magnetic field, the closing force can be controlled without the progressive tension increase of springs, allowing the valve to open more freely once the set pressure is reached.
2Reliability
If spring tension is increased to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but the pressure required to open the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring mechanism with a magnetic field system where the magnetic force provides the closing force. The magnetic force can be precisely controlled and maintained at a constant level, preventing backflow effectively. Once the differential pressure exceeds this constant magnetic force, the valve opens fully without requiring progressively increasing pressure as would occur with a spring system.
3Reliability
If center poppet design with webbing is used, then valve closure is achieved, but debris is trapped and flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic webbing structure from the center poppet design. By eliminating the webbing that traps debris and restricts flow, the valve closure function is maintained through the magnetic force acting on the ferromagnetic member, while the flow passage remains clear and unrestricted.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed spring tension is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the valve cannot adapt to changing differential pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability to the magnetic field system. The magnets can be repositioned or the magnetic field strength can be modified to change the closing force, allowing the valve to adapt to different differential pressure requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through modular magnet assemblies.
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 magnet-based check valve effectively prevents backflow at low differential pressures and allows full flow without increasing tension as the valve opens, providing a stable and adjustable solution for fluid flow control.
Implementation Method 1
the force which must be overcome for the valve to open is the attractive force between either a pair of opposing magnets or a single magnet and a ferromagnetic magnetic member
Implementation Method 2
The magnet set comprises a first magnet and a ferromagnetic member, which may be a second magnet. In this embodiment, the magnet has a first magnetic pole and second magnet has a second magnetic pole, where the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are disposed in attractive relationship when the valve closure is in the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve has an internal gate having an adjustable retention force, such that in the event that if the differential pressure between the upstream and downstream pressure changes, the force required to allow flow through the valve may be adjusted without removal of the valve from the piping system.