Coolant Delivery Valve With Venturi Retraction to Prevent Spillage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for resistance welding machines face challenges in preventing water spillage when electrodes are removed, leading to hazards and maintenance issues due to residual pressurized water in the coolant system.
Innovation Solution
A coolant control apparatus featuring a three-way control valve that selectively stops coolant flow to the electrodes while diverting it through a bypass passageway with a venturi valve region, creating a suction force to evacuate coolant from the system, thereby preventing spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a piston in a cylinder is used to generate suction force to pull water back from the coolant line, then water spillage is reduced, but the system is subject to maintenance issues due to water contacting the piston and cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical piston-cylinder system with a diaphragm-based vacuum pump system. The diaphragm is contained within a sealed housing, preventing direct contact between water and moving parts. When the diaphragm actuates, it creates vacuum pressure that draws water back into the coolant line without requiring water to contact the actuation mechanism, thereby eliminating the maintenance issues associated with water-contacting pistons while still achieving effective water retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealed diaphragm housing as an intermediary between the actuation mechanism and the water. The diaphragm itself acts as a barrier that transmits mechanical motion to create vacuum pressure without allowing water to contact the diaphragm or its actuating mechanism. This intermediary structure enables the suction function while protecting the mechanical components from water exposure and corrosion
2Ease of repair
If multiple valves are used in multiple fluid lines to accomplish evacuation, then mechanical devices are eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the diaphragm-based vacuum pump to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the evacuation mechanism and the flow control element. The same diaphragm actuation that creates vacuum pressure also simultaneously controls the opening and closing of fluid pathways through integrated check valves and flow directors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated valves while maintaining the non-mechanical advantage of eliminating pistons and cylinders
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several valve functions into a single integrated diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm housing incorporates check valves, flow directors, and sealing mechanisms that work together as one unit. This merging of functions reduces the total number of discrete valve components while achieving the same evacuation and flow control objectives, thereby reducing complexity compared to having multiple separate valves in multiple fluid lines
3Power
If the stroke of the piston is fixed, then the suction potential is limited, but the device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm that can dynamically adjust its displacement volume based on operating conditions. Unlike a fixed-stroke piston, the diaphragm's movement is not constrained by rigid mechanical stops but by pressure differentials and elastic recovery. This allows the suction volume to dynamically adapt to varying water levels, line pressures, and flow conditions, maximizing suction potential without requiring complex variable-stroke mechanisms or multiple adjustment 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
The solution effectively prevents coolant spillage during electrode removal by creating a controlled suction force, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance needs in resistance welding machines.
Implementation Method 1
the bypass passageway includes a venturi valve region, i.e., a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area and a gradually increasing cross-sectional area coupled together by a fluid restriction area, which creates a suction force when there is sufficient liquid coolant flow through the fluid restriction area
Data Source
AI summary
System, method, and apparatus for controlling circulation of fluid to, and evacuation of the fluid from, an external fluid circuit for heat transfer. A single control valve selectively stops the circulation of fluid from a supply passageway to an external fluid circuit and diverts fluid to a bypass passageway which creates a suction force at a venturi valve region therein. The venturi valve region includes a fluid jacket that encases at least a portion of the venturi valve region. A suction passageway couples the suction force of bypass passageway to either return passageway or supply passageway, for evacuating fluid from external fluid circuit. No more than a single suction passageway is required to be coupled to either supply passageway and/or return passageway. A return check valve disposed in return passageway prevents backflow of fluid through return passageway.