Dual-Spring Valve Biasing for Normally Partially Open Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically actuated valves face energy inefficiencies in maintaining open positions due to high power consumption when 'Normally Closed' and require excessive force to maintain closed positions when 'Normally Open', with fluid pressure complicating the issue.
Innovation Solution
A valve design incorporating both a closing spring and an opening spring, coordinated to maintain an intermediate open position without power, allowing for a 'Normally Partially Open' state, utilizing an electric drive apparatus with adjustable current direction to manage transitions between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 'Normally Closed' valve is used with a closing spring, then the valve maintains a closed position reliably, but high power consumption occurs when maintaining an open position for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a static 'Normally Closed' configuration to a dynamic 'Normally Partially Open' configuration. The valve member can now reside in an intermediate open position without drive forces, allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables energy-efficient operation by eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain open positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of valve default position from closed to partially open. By coordinating the closing spring and opening spring forces, the valve member naturally settles in an intermediate open position when no drive forces are applied. This parameter change fundamentally alters the energy consumption profile, transforming the valve from a high-power-consuming 'Normally Closed' type to an energy-efficient 'Normally Partially Open' type.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a 'Normally Open' valve is used with an opening spring, then the valve maintains an open position, but excessive drive force is required to maintain the closed position against fluid pressure and spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an opening spring that acts as a counterweight to the closing spring. The opening spring constantly biases the valve member in the opening direction, counterbalancing the closing spring force. This counterweight mechanism reduces the net force that the drive apparatus must generate to maintain the closed position, as the drive force now only needs to overcome the coordinated spring forces rather than the full fluid pressure plus spring force combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system transitions from a static 'Normally Open' configuration to a dynamic 'Normally Partially Open' configuration. The valve member can now reside in an intermediate open position without drive forces, allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables energy-efficient operation by eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain open positions.
3Productivity
If the valve is designed for high flow rates with a larger nominal diameter, then fluid flow capacity increases, but drive forces and power consumption increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of valve default position from closed to partially open. By coordinating the closing spring and opening spring forces, the valve member naturally settles in an intermediate open position when no drive forces are applied. This parameter change fundamentally alters the energy consumption profile, transforming the valve from a high-power-consuming 'Normally Closed' type to an energy-efficient 'Normally Partially Open' type.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system transitions from a static 'Normally Closed' configuration to a dynamic 'Normally Partially Open' configuration. The valve member can now reside in an intermediate open position without drive forces, allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables energy-efficient operation by eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain open positions.
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
Enables energy-efficient operation with reduced drive forces, preventing overheating and allowing precise control of fluid flow rates through coordinated spring forces and adjustable current direction.
Implementation Method 1
the valve member is constantly biased in the direction of the closed position by a closing spring of a spring apparatus of the valve
Implementation Method 2
the closing spring and the opening spring, which acts in the opposite direction in this respect, are mutually coordinated with respect to their spring forces
Implementation Method 3
the drive apparatus must be activated for a correspondingly long time
Implementation Method 4
By actuating an electric drive apparatus based on an electrodynamic operating principle, the valve member can be moved into at least one open position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve which includes a valve housing in which a valve member is positioned which can be positioned in a closed position and in a maximum open position as part of a lifting movement which can be caused by a drive apparatus. A spring apparatus causes the valve member to reach an intermediate open position when the drive apparatus is deactivated. The spring apparatus contains a closing spring acting in the closing direction and an opening spring acting in the opening direction, the spring forces of which are matched to one another in such a way that the intermediate open position forms a basic position of the valve.