Bistable Fluid Valve with Pressure Pulse Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid valve systems in hydraulic systems require significant energy to rapidly switch between positions, leading to high electrical losses, especially at high actuating frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A bistable fluid valve design utilizing a pressure pulse generator and a bistable surface element with two chambers, where pressure pulses or pressure flanks cause the valve body to switch between positions without continuous energy input, using a pressure pulse transmitter or a connected piston pump to reverse the flow lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rapidly switching valves are used for high actuating frequencies, then switching speed is improved, but electrical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is actuated by periodic pressure pulses instead of continuous electrical signals. The pressure pulse generator creates discrete pressure waves that trigger the bistable element to switch positions only when needed, eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining high switching frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical actuation system with a pneumatic/hydraulic pressure pulse system. The bistable surface element converts pressure differential energy into mechanical valve position changes, eliminating electrical losses while achieving rapid switching through pressure wave propagation
2Use of energy by moving object
If a bistable surface element is used for valve switching, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure pulse generator, reversing unit with chambers, and bistable surface element are integrated into a single compact assembly. The feed line and return line are combined with the chamber system, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the energy-efficient bistable switching mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable surface element serves multiple functions: it acts as the switching element, the separating wall between chambers, and the actuator for the valve body. The pressure pulses serve both to switch the valve and to reset the system, reducing the need for additional dedicated components
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
Enables rapid and energy-efficient switching of fluid valves by leveraging pressure differences to change the shape of the bistable surface element, reducing electrical losses and maintaining stability under operational pressure differences.
Implementation Method 1
By way of the pressure pulse generator in the fluid feed line, the pressure pulse is transmitted to a first of the two chambers in the reversing unit independently of the valve position
Implementation Method 2
The bistable surface element has the property of being able to assume two shapes which are different from one another. A force is necessary for the change from one shape into the other shape.
Implementation Method 3
The pressure difference between the two sides brings about the change from one shape into the other shape given a sufficient magnitude.
Implementation Method 4
the two flow lines are then reversed with respect to the feed line and the return line, that is to say the flow line which was previously connected to the return line now communicates with the feed line and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid valve arrangement having a bistable fluid valve for at least one fluid line with a valve body which can be moved into two positions for two switching states, a pressure pulse generator being provided for valve switchover in the feed line for switching over a feed line and a return line between two flow lines, and the fluid valve comprising a reversing unit which has two chambers which are separated from one another by a bistable surface element, the two chambers being connected to the two flow lines and the bistable surface element being operatively coupled to the valve body in order to actuate it. As a result, a bistable fluid valve is provided which can be reversed by way of pressure pulses or pressure flanks and otherwise has no energy requirement.