Electromagnetic Gas Valve Assembly for Reliable Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve assemblies are often complex and prone to failure, especially if not operated according to pressure ratings.
Innovation Solution
A simplified gas valve assembly design featuring a valve body, valve poppet, solenoid coil, magnet, and valve retainer, which uses magnetic fields to control the valve poppet's position between open and closed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gas valve assemblies are used, then they can control fluid flow, but they are complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a valve body housing, a solenoid coil assembly, a magnet assembly, and a poppet. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly while reducing overall system complexity and improving reliability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve actuation mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based system. The solenoid coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnet to move the poppet, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, and cam mechanisms found in conventional valves, thereby reducing complexity and failure points.
2Ease of manufacture
If simplified valve design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity, timing) controlled by the solenoid coil to achieve precise poppet positioning. By varying electrical parameters rather than mechanical dimensions, the system maintains high control precision while allowing for easier manufacturing of the valve components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid coil assembly serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for poppet actuation, provides precise positioning control through pulsed operation, and can be integrated into various valve body configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining control precision.
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 design achieves a simple and reliable operation, allowing for easy manufacturing and reduced risk of failure, while maintaining control over fluid flow through the valve.
Implementation Method 1
causing a pulse of electrical current to be sent to the solenoid coil, thereby inducing a magnetic field. The magnetic field causes the valve poppet to be temporarily magnetized
Implementation Method 2
The magnet holds the valve poppet at the magnet retainer such that the valve assembly is in an open configuration... the valve poppet is repelled by the magnet within the magnet retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly consists essentially of a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port; a valve retainer at least partially housed within the valve body; a valve poppet positioned within the valve body; a magnet affixed within the valve body near the valve body inlet port; and a solenoid coil mounted around the valve body.