Electromagnetic Throttle Valve With Integrated Blowdown Pressure Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing throttle valves in fluid compressor systems, particularly in rotary screw compressors, are unreliable and require frequent maintenance due to their mechanical components, leading to inefficiencies in capacity control and operational stability.

Innovation Solution

An electro-magnetic throttle valve (EMTV) utilizing magnetic forces from an electromagnet to actuate the valve, allowing partial or full opening, controlled by a system balancing electromagnetic, biasing, and gravitational forces, with a blowdown system to manage pressure release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical components are used in throttle valves, then the valve can be actuated reliably, but the maintenance frequency increases and operational stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrottle valve reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation components (solenoids, springs, moving parts) with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that directly actuates the valve element, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and reducing maintenance requirements while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the electrical control signal and the valve actuation. This magnetic field mediator transfers energy without requiring direct mechanical contact, reducing wear and maintenance needs while maintaining reliable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical components are used in throttle valves, then the valve can be actuated, but operational stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical actuation with electromagnetic actuation, the system eliminates mechanical wear, friction, and component failure modes that compromise operational stability. The magnetic field provides consistent, repeatable actuation without degradation over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If separate blowdown conduit is used, then pressure release can be managed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure managementVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blowdown conduit function with the valve body structure, integrating the pressure release pathway into the existing valve housing. This eliminates the need for separate external blowdown components while maintaining effective pressure management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the valve housing and the blowdown conduit structure. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining both throttling and pressure release capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 EMTV provides reliable capacity control and pressure management, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing operational efficiency and stability in fluid compressor systems.

Implementation Method 1

An electro-magnetic throttle valve (EMTV) utilizing magnetic forces from an electromagnet to actuate the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

with a blowdown system to manage pressure release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12372162B2Electro-magnetic throttle valve with integrated blowdown conduit

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 INGERSOLL RAND IND US INC

AI summary

A fluid compressor system having an electro-magnetic throttle valve (EMTV) that utilizes magnetic forces supplied by an electromagnet to actuate the opening and closing of the valve. The fluid compressor system may include a control system that controls the position of a valve plate of the EMTV, allowing the EMTV to fully or partially actuate to a plurality of intermediate positions depending on a current supplied to the electromagnet by the control system. The control system may control a location of the valve plate with reference to the electromagnet by balancing the forces acting on the valve plate, such as electromagnetic forces supplied by the electromagnet, biasing forces supplied by biasing components, and gravitational forces acting on the valve plate. The EMTV may include a blowdown system configured to release a pressure within the fluid compressor system when the inlet on the EMTV is closed.