Dual Piezo Valve Layout for Redundant MR Fluid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid valves for medical devices used in magnetic resonance (MR) environments are large, energy-intensive, and lack redundancy, posing safety risks and increasing costs due to the need for specialized non-magnetic materials.

Innovation Solution

The development of electrically-controllable piezoelectric valves with two independent piezo elements, each controlling a separate outlet, allowing for reduced size, low energy consumption, and enhanced safety features such as redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple valves are used to ensure safety redundancy, then safety is improved, but the overall footprint and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body that houses two independent piezo elements. This allows the system to achieve safety redundancy through one compact component rather than requiring multiple separate valves, thereby improving reliability while minimizing footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single valve body is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating two independently controllable piezo elements, each capable of controlling fluid flow through different outlets. This multi-functional design provides redundancy and flexibility within a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional solenoid valves are used in MR environments, then flow control is achieved, but the device generates heat and consumes high energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow controlVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional solenoid-based electromagnetic actuation with piezoelectric actuation. Piezo elements convert electrical energy directly to mechanical deformation without generating significant heat, thereby maintaining effective flow control while dramatically reducing energy consumption and heat generation in MR environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-magnetic materials are used to minimize susceptibility in MR environments, then magnetic compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic susceptibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material selection parameters by using non-magnetic alloys such as aluminum or titanium for the valve body instead of traditional ferromagnetic materials. This parameter change ensures magnetic compatibility in MR environments while the modular design and standardized piezo elements help manage manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If piezo valves are designed to meet specific flow and pressure requirements, then performance is improved, but the valve footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow and pressure controlVSAvoidvalve footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is segmented into two independently controllable channels, each with its own piezo element and outlet. This segmentation allows each piezo element to be optimized for specific flow and pressure requirements while the overall valve maintains a compact footprint through efficient spatial arrangement of the segmented channels.

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

The solution achieves low energy consumption, minimal heat generation, increased service life, improved safety, and superior functionality in MR environments, while maintaining a minimal valve weight and enhancing patient care and workflow.

Implementation Method 1

a first piezo element configured to control a fluid flow through the first outlet; and a second piezoelectrical element configured to control the fluid flow through the second outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250198530A1Independent dual actuation piezo valve for magnetic resonance environments

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

Electrically-controllable piezo valves comprising independent, dual actuation piezo elements, systems incorporating such valves, and methods of controlling a fluid flow using such valves are described herein. These valves, systems, and methods find particular application in the field of patient care as it relates to magnetic resonance (“MR”) environments, such as environments with strong electromagnetic fields generated by MR imaging machines.