Cam-Actuated Valve Module for Compact Multi-Line Fluid Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic control and regulation technologies, such as valves, are often complex, bulky, and designed for specific types of fluids, lacking versatility and ease of use for multiple fluid types, and they often have moving parts in direct contact with the fluid, which complicates their construction and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve module with an integrated micro-servomotor actuator that controls fluid flow in multiple lines using a rotary cam mechanism, allowing for simultaneous regulation of at least two fluid circulation lines with a simple, segmented, and easy-to-clean design, featuring elastically deformable duct portions and a U-shaped support body for efficient fluid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional valve designs are used, then fluid control function is achieved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is segmented into distinct functional components: a body housing, a movable closure member, and a drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability through modular assembly and easier maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device incorporates a multi-functional design where the closure member serves both as a flow control element and as a mechanical linkage for the drive mechanism. The body housing integrates multiple functions including structural support, fluid distribution, and actuator mounting, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If valves are designed for specific fluid types, then performance for that fluid is optimized, but adaptability to other fluid types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with universal compatibility features including chemically resistant materials suitable for multiple fluid types, standardized connection interfaces, and a closure member geometry that effectively controls various fluid viscosities and densities. This allows a single design to maintain adequate performance across diverse fluid applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system allows for parameter adjustments including closure member position, spring tension, and actuator force to optimize performance for different fluid types. These adjustable parameters enable the same physical device to adapt to varying fluid properties while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized components.
3Ease of operation
If moving parts are placed in direct contact with fluid, then flow control effectiveness is improved, but contamination risk and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is extracted and positioned outside the fluid pathway, connected to the closure member through a sealed transmission mechanism. This extraction eliminates direct contact between the actuator and fluid, preventing contamination while maintaining flow control effectiveness through the sealed linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed intermediate mechanism serves as a mediator between the external actuator and the internal closure member. This intermediary component transmits mechanical motion while maintaining fluid isolation, allowing effective flow control without direct contact between moving parts and fluid, thereby reducing contamination risk.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact valve design is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of assembly and maintenance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The compact valve module is segmented into standardized sub-components that can be pre-assembled and tested independently before final integration. This segmentation enables compact overall dimensions while maintaining assembly ease through modular construction, allowing quick replacement and maintenance of individual components without disassembling the entire device.
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 solution provides a versatile, compact, and energy-efficient fluid control system that can handle various fluid types, minimizing contamination and energy consumption while allowing precise control of fluid flow rates in multiple lines, with a design that is easy to assemble and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (2) suitable and intended to move in rotation the rotary movable member (4) of the valve device (3) around an axis (X)
Implementation Method 2
the portions of conduits (8, 8'), have elastically deformable walls, are arranged on or housed in the base (6'') of the U, forming a cradle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~5E
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve module (1) with an inbuilt electric actuator (2), said module comprising, on the one hand, a valve device (3) comprising a mobile member (4) the positioning of which controls the circulation of a fluid in at least two circulation lines passing through said valve device, and, on the other hand, an actuator able and intended to move the rotary mobile member (4) of the valve device in rotation about an axis (X). The valve device comprises a support body (6) in which said at least one aforementioned mobile member is mounted, forming a cam guided in rotation and provided with at least one control surface (7), and also at least two duct portions (8, 8'), these duct portions and this mobile member being arranged and configured in such a way that said at least one control surface is able to come into engagement with, and, by localized crushing, alter the passage cross sections of, said at least two duct portions, this being done in a manner that is mutually differentiated and dependent on the rotational position of the mobile member. The actuator consists of a micro-servomotor mounted on the support body.