Adjustable Valve Transition Region for Smooth MR Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable valves for magneto-rheological or electro-rheological fluids face challenges in achieving smooth transition from low to high speed ranges without a noticeable 'break' in compression-speed development, leading to compromised driving comfort and safety, especially in applications like bicycle shock absorbers, due to the reliance on homogeneous magnetic fields and the need for additional bypasses or complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve design that creates a non-homogeneous magnetic field with a gradient transverse to the fluid flow, dividing the through-channel into blocking, transmission, and transition regions, allowing for adjustable flow resistance without mechanical contact or direct electrical control, enabling a smooth transition by varying the magnetic field intensity across the cross-sectional area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a homogeneous magnetic field is applied to the entire through-channel, then the valve can be adjusted rapidly without mechanical parts, but a break-free force must be exceeded initially causing a noticeable break in compression-speed development
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is applied non-homogeneously across the through-channel cross-section, creating locally different field strengths. A first region has a higher magnetic field strength than a second region, causing the magneto-rheological fluid to exhibit different viscosities in different locations. This local variation allows gradual transition from low to high speed ranges without a sudden break-free force threshold.
2Ease of operation
If bypasses are added to allow fluid flow at low speeds, then smooth transition can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transition function from separate mechanical bypass components and integrates it directly into the through-channel by applying a non-homogeneous magnetic field. The field gradient itself creates the gradual transition effect that would otherwise require additional bypass passages and mechanical components, thereby simplifying the overall valve structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical coil arrangements are used to control the magnetic field intensity, then arbitrary curves can be actuated, but power consumption and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of the magnetic field from homogeneous to non-homogeneous across the through-channel cross-section. By varying the field strength gradient between different regions, the valve can achieve different compression curves and transition characteristics without requiring complex real-time control systems or high power consumption, as the field distribution itself encodes the desired performance characteristics.
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 design allows for a reliable, sturdy, and cost-effective valve that reacts rapidly to pressure changes, reduces power consumption, and simplifies sensor technology, achieving a gentle transition from low to high speed ranges without the need for additional bypasses or complex real-time control, enhancing driving comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The viscosity of the fluid can be modified by forming chains of ferromagnetic particles or small dipoles in the region of the field. The fluid reacts very rapidly to field changes, within the range of a few ms and below
Implementation Method 2
at least one through-channel is traversed only in a partial manner by the field. The field has a gradient which is oriented transversely with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device is formed with a through-channel and a field generating device. A fluid which can be influenced by a field is provided in the through-channel and the field generating device is configured to act on the field-influenced fluid in the through-channel by way of a field. At least one adjustment device is provided with which the field that is active in the through-channel can be adjusted. A portion of the cross-sectional area of the through-channel can be adjusted, the portion being exposed to a field of a specific intensity so that the through-channel can also only partly be exposed to a field of a specific intensity. Thus, the through-channel, as seen in the direction of the flow, can be divided into regions of different flow resistance, whereby characteristic curves, which were previously attained only with difficulty, are easily obtained when using the valve device in a damper, for example.