Constant Flow Valve Diaphragm Stabilizes Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid delivery devices face instability in flow rate due to changes in surrounding environments, such as channel resistance, affecting the consistent supply of fuel to power-generating cells.
Innovation Solution
A liquid delivery device with a constant flow valve configuration that includes a diaphragm and a pressure-applying portion, where the diaphragm allows communication between openings based on pressure differences, and an adjustment mechanism to stabilize flow rates by adjusting pressure applied to the diaphragm, ensuring consistent flow despite environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump is used to transport liquid fuel, then the liquid can be delivered to the power generating cell, but the flow rate varies when pressure changes due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
A passive valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump and the power generating cell. This valve automatically regulates the flow rate by responding to pressure changes, acting as a mediator that stabilizes the liquid delivery system without requiring active control from the pump or external power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive valve operates autonomously based on pressure differential changes in the system. When pressure increases, the valve automatically closes to reduce flow; when pressure decreases, the valve opens to increase flow. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems, maintaining stable flow rate under varying environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure of liquid fuel increases inside the valve chamber, then the diaphragm separates from the valve seat to open the valve, but this causes flow rate instability when channel resistance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The passive valve incorporates a feedback mechanism where the diaphragm continuously monitors pressure changes in the valve chamber and automatically adjusts the valve opening accordingly. When pressure increases due to channel resistance changes, the diaphragm moves to close the valve, reducing flow; when pressure decreases, the valve opens to restore flow, maintaining consistent flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation is based on changing the physical state of the diaphragm in response to pressure parameter changes. The diaphragm transitions between contact and separation from the valve seat based on pressure differential, automatically adjusting the flow rate parameter to maintain stability despite environmental variations.
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 device maintains stable flow rates of liquid to the consumption unit even with changes in environmental conditions, such as channel resistance, by suppressing changes in discharge flow rate up to the pressure applied by the pressure-applying portion, ensuring consistent delivery.
Implementation Method 1
when the pressure of the fuel increases inside the first valve chamber 111, the diaphragm 20 of the passive valve 3 curves toward the second valve chamber 112 side and becomes separated from the O-ring 30
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-applying portion that applies a pressure toward the valve seat side to the second main surface of the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid delivery device includes a constant flow valve, a pump and channels. A medicinal solution bag is connected to the liquid delivery device. The pump has a suction aperture, a discharge aperture and check valves. The constant flow valve includes a valve casing and a diaphragm that partitions the interior of the valve casing to form a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber. A first opening, a second opening, and a third opening are provided in the valve casing. A conical spring arranged between and in contact with a top plate and the diaphragm is provided in the second valve chamber. The spring applies a pressure towards an O-ring side to a second main surface of the diaphragm.