Bi-stable Pinch Valve Using Cam Mechanism for Energy-Efficient Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pinch valves require continuous electrical energy to maintain open or closed positions, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and operation.

Innovation Solution

A bi-stable pinch valve design utilizing a spring force to maintain closed positions and a cam mechanism driven by an electric motor to switch between open and closed states, allowing for energy-efficient operation without continuous electrical energy consumption, with multiple tubes arranged in a circular configuration and operated by a cam mechanism powered by an electric motor or other controllable force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous electrical energy is used to maintain valve positions, then precise control is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve position controlVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system uses periodic electrical pulses to switch between stable states rather than continuous power. The bi-stable mechanism maintains positions without power, and electrical energy is applied only periodically during state transitions, dramatically reducing overall energy consumption while preserving control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism is designed to maintain its own state without external energy input. The bi-stable design with spring forces and cam mechanisms allows the valve to remain in either open or closed position autonomously, serving itself by eliminating the need for continuous electrical power to maintain position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If a cam mechanism is used to switch valve states, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy consumptionVSAvoidmechanical mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the simple electrical actuator and the valve. Instead of using complex continuous electrical controls, the system uses a simple cam-follower mechanism that translates brief electrical activation into reliable mechanical state switching, reducing overall system complexity despite the added mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex continuous electrical control systems with a simpler mechanical bi-stable mechanism. The cam and follower provide mechanical memory and state maintenance, substituting for complex electrical control circuitry and reducing the need for continuous power management electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple tubes are operated simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operation throughputVSAvoidvalve position control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control of multiple tubes by providing individual cam mechanisms or independent actuation paths for each valve. This allows each tube to be controlled independently with precise bi-stable positioning, while the overall system maintains high productivity through parallel operation capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 stable open and closed positions without energy consumption, allowing for efficient operation and reduced energy usage by using a cam mechanism to switch states mechanically, facilitating continuous flow and precise control in applications like ingredient dispensing.

Implementation Method 1

A pinch valve may use a spring force to close a collapsible tube at a pinch point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The open and closed positions of the pinch valve may be stable without the use of continuing electrical energy, and electrical energy may be consumed during a change between positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS10161533B2Bi-stable electrically actuated valve

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 PBAG LLC

AI summary

A pinch valve may use a spring force to close a collapsible tube at a pinch point, and may open with a cam mechanism, which may be controlled using an electric motor. The open and closed positions of the pinch valve may be stable without the use of continuing electrical energy, and electrical energy may be consumed during a change between positions. One arrangement may use multiple tubes in a circular arrangement with a cam that may operate one or more of the valves at a time. The cam mechanism may be driven by an electric motor.