Cartridge Valve With Adjustable Solenoid Stroke for Stable Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control systems face challenges in space constraints, calibration, and replacement, particularly in beverage dispensing systems where precise flow control and adaptability are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge valve system is introduced, featuring a regulator, an adjustable stroke solenoid, and a diaphragm, which allows for stable flow control, compact design, and easy installation and replacement. The system includes a bayonet fitting arrangement for quick coupling and uncoupling, and the solenoid's adjustable stroke and diaphragm configuration enable effective cleaning of clogged particulates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact valve design is used to reduce space constraints, then the device size is reduced, but calibration and replacement become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into a stationary body and a removable cartridge assembly. The cartridge contains the moving components (armature, diaphragm, slot) and can be easily removed and replaced without affecting the stationary body, thus maintaining compact size while simplifying calibration and replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature is designed with an adjustable stroke mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the retraction distance. This enables flexible calibration of the valve opening degree to control flow rate, while the compact cartridge design maintains a small overall footprint.
2Measurement precision
If a complex flow control mechanism is used to achieve precise flow rate control, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve controls flow rate by changing the geometric parameter of the slot exposure through armature retraction distance adjustment. By varying the retraction distance, different portions of the slot are exposed to control fluid flow, achieving precise flow rate control through a simple geometric parameter change rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is designed with specific geometric characteristics (width, length, orientation) that create a localized flow control region. The armature selectively exposes different portions of this slot to control flow, allowing precise local flow regulation without requiring complex valve mechanisms throughout the entire device.
3Productivity
If the armature retraction distance is increased to allow more fluid flow through the slot, then flow rate increases, but the risk of particulate contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stroke solenoid allows dynamic adjustment of the armature retraction distance. This enables the system to optimize the balance between flow rate (productivity) and contamination risk by selecting appropriate retraction distances based on fluid characteristics and operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm acts as an intermediary between the armature and the fluid. It transmits the armature's motion to control slot exposure while providing a barrier that helps prevent particulate contamination from directly contacting the armature, thus allowing increased retraction distance for higher flow rates without proportionally increasing contamination risk.
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 cartridge valve system provides stable and precise fluid flow control, accommodates varying fluid properties, and facilitates easy maintenance, making it suitable for both consistent and particulate-containing fluids in space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid comprising an armature configured to retract a retraction distance from a closed position to an open position to allow fluid flow between the regulator outlet and the fluid outlet
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm coupled to a regulator end of the armature, the diaphragm adapted to isolate the armature from fluid flowing from the regulator outlet
Implementation Method 3
a regulator coupled to the fluid inlet and having a regulator outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge valve (22, 94) and system (10) are provided in which the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a regulator (44, 96) and a solenoid (42, 100) which may have an adjustable stroke to facilitate stable flow control. Also, the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a quick and easy installation and removal fitting (30 and 32).