Bi-stable changeover valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing changeover valve systems for food pouches in the food service industry lack controllability and efficiency, particularly in switching between pouches and maintaining continuous foodstuff delivery, as they rely on purely permanent magnet mechanisms that do not allow for adjustments based on different foodstuff viscosities or textures.
Innovation Solution
A valve system incorporating a shuttle that is biased by permanent magnets but can be controlled by electromagnets to shift positions, allowing for intentional switching between pouches and adjusting the bias force based on the type of foodstuff, with position sensors for precise control, enabling efficient operation across various viscosities and textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a purely permanent magnet bi-stable shuttle valve is used, then the valve achieves automatic switchover between pouches, but the system lacks controllability and cannot adjust for different foodstuff viscosities or textures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines permanent magnets (for automatic bi-stable operation) with electromagnets (for controllable adjustment) into a single valve system. The permanent magnets provide the automatic switchover functionality, while the electromagnets add the capability to adjust magnetic bias and control the shuttle position, thereby merging automatic operation with manual controllability to handle different foodstuff properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnets that can dynamically adjust the magnetic bias force acting on the shuttle. This allows the system to transition from a static permanent magnet configuration to a dynamic system where the magnetic field strength can be modified in real-time to accommodate different foodstuff viscosities and textures, enabling adaptive control.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnets are continuously energized to control shuttle position, then precise control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed energization of the electromagnets rather than continuous operation. The electromagnets are energized only when pouch switchover is needed or when adjustment is required, allowing the permanent magnets to maintain the bi-stable positions without continuous energy input. This reduces energy consumption while preserving control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets provide self-sustaining bi-stable positioning without requiring continuous external energy input. The system uses the inherent magnetic properties of the permanent magnets to maintain shuttle position, and only activates electromagnets when intervention is needed, allowing the system to serve itself during normal operation and reducing overall energy consumption.
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 system ensures seamless and efficient switching between pouches, accommodating different foodstuff properties by adjusting the magnetic bias, ensuring continuous operation and reducing energy consumption by only activating electromagnets when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
One or more permanent magnets are positioned to bias the shuttle away from a neutral position between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 2
one or more electromagnets positioned to, in at least one condition of energization, counter said bias
Data Source
AI summary
A valve comprises a body having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. A shuttle is shiftable between: a first position permitting communication between the first inlet and the outlet and blocking communication between the second inlet and the outlet; and a second position permitting communication between the second inlet and the outlet and blocking communication between the first inlet and the outlet. One or more permanent magnets are positioned to bias the shuttle away from a neutral position between the first position and the second position, wherein the valve further comprises: one or more electromagnets positioned to, in at least one condition of energization, counter said bias.