Bidirectional Isolation in Pilot Operated Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional solenoid valves are limited to unidirectional flow control, which restricts their application in scenarios requiring bidirectional fluid isolation.

Innovation Solution

A pilot operated valve system incorporating a 2/2 pilot operated solenoid valve and a 3/2 solenoid valve, utilizing pressure differences and additional ports to enable bidirectional fluid flow control, with a diaphragm and disks to manage fluid flow between conduits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional solenoid valve is used for flow control, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the valve can only control flow in a single direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional flow control capabilityVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into two independent solenoid valve units (first solenoid valve and second solenoid valve) that work together to achieve bidirectional control. Each solenoid valve handles one direction of flow, allowing the system to control flow in both directions while maintaining the simplicity of individual valve components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pilot operated valve system with multiple solenoid valves is used to achieve bidirectional isolation, then bidirectional flow control is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional isolation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of valve components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two solenoid valves are integrated into a single valve body structure, sharing common components such as the diaphragm, spring chamber, and flow passages. This merging approach enables bidirectional isolation functionality while reducing the overall number of separate components compared to using two independent valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact valve design is implemented, then the valve occupies less space, but the internal structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve volumeVSAvoidinternal passage configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve employs nested flow passages where smaller passages are arranged within or alongside larger passages in a compact configuration. The pilot passages, main flow passages, and exhaust passages are integrated in a nested manner, allowing multiple flow paths to coexist in a compact volume without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effectively controls fluid flow in both directions, is robust, compatible with various fluids, and compact, while allowing residue fluid to be directed to any desired destination, overcoming the limitations of traditional unidirectional solenoid valves.

Implementation Method 1

a diaphragm configured to control bidirectional flow of fluid between the first main conduit and the second main conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Solenoid valves convert electrical energy into mechanical displacement of a plunger supporting a disc at one end which operationally opens and closes the passage of fluids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid effect: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentEP3132167B1A system for a pilot operated valve with bidirectional isolation
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 ASCO CONTROLS BV
  • EP3132167B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3132167B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3132167B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A system for a pilot operated valve with bidirectional isolation, the system includes a first main conduit (120), a second main conduit (118) configured to be in a fluid communication with the first main conduit, a diaphragm (108) configured to control bidirectional flow of fluid between the first main conduit and the second main conduit, a 2/2 pilot operated solenoid valve (102) operatively connected to the diaphragm, the 2/2 pilot operated solenoid valve configured to enable oscillatory movement of the diaphragm into a space defined between the diaphragm and the 2/2 pilot operated solenoid valve and a 3/2 solenoid valve (104) configured to selectively allow a flow of fluid from the first main conduit and the second main conduit into the space to control the oscillatory movement of the diaphragm.