Electromagnetic Throttle Valve With Blowdown Pressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional throttle valves in fluid compressor systems are unreliable and require frequent maintenance due to their mechanical components, which can lead to inefficiencies in capacity control and pressure regulation.

Innovation Solution

An electro-magnetic throttle valve (EMTV) is introduced, utilizing an electromagnet to actuate the valve plate between fully open, intermediate, and closed positions, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and pressure modulation through a combination of electromagnetic, biasing, and gravitational forces, with a blowdown conduit for pressure release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical throttle valves are used, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability is poor and maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve reliabilityVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnet assembly (including coil, magnet, and armature) actuates the valve plate without mechanical linkages, eliminating wear-prone mechanical components while improving reliability. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by reducing maintenance needs through non-mechanical actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the flow control element and the magnetic actuation target. The integrated design combines the valve body, valve plate, and actuation mechanism into a unified structure that performs both flow regulation and electromagnetic response functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional mechanical throttle valves are used, then the device complexity is low, but the capacity control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity control precisionVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuation system provides precise control of the valve plate position through electrical signal modulation of the electromagnet. This enables accurate capacity control by adjusting the valve opening degree in response to control signals, achieving high measurement precision without complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve plate is designed to move dynamically between fully open, fully closed, and intermediate positions based on electromagnetic actuation. The ability to achieve stable intermediate positions through electromagnetic force balancing enables precise capacity modulation, transforming the valve from a binary on/off device to a continuously controllable flow regulation device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the valve plate is closed to stop fluid flow, then the fluid flow is blocked, but pressure builds up in the compressor system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoidsystem pressure buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The blowdown conduit assembly acts as an intermediary pressure relief path. When the valve plate closes to stop main fluid flow, the blowdown conduit provides a separate pathway for pressure equalization, allowing controlled release of built-up pressure while maintaining the flow control function of the valve plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly is segmented into two functional pathways: the main flow path controlled by the valve plate for capacity control, and the blowdown conduit path for pressure relief. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - flow control precision and pressure management - without interference between them.

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 EMTV provides reliable and efficient capacity control, reduces maintenance needs, and allows for precise modulation of fluid compressor systems, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance requirements.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet configured to actuate the movement of the valve plate between the fully open position and the closed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

when the valve plate is at the closed position, the orifice of the valve rod aligns with the blowdown conduit, releasing the pressure built from the discharge of the compressor assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4442998A1Electromagnetic throttle valve with integrated blowndown conduit
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 INGERSOLL RAND IND US INC
  • EP4442998A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4442998A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4442998A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electro-magnetic throttle valve (100) is provided which is configured to regulate the flow of a working fluid into a compressor (200) of a fluid compressor system (1000). The EMTV (100) comprises an inlet (102), an outlet (104), a ferromagnetic valve plate (116), and an electromagnet (122) to actuate the movement of the valve plate (116) between a fully open position and a closed position. The EMTV further comprises a valve rod assembly (130) to guide the movement of the valve plate (116), and a blowndown conduit (144) that is configured to connect a discharge line of the compressor (200) with the inlet (102). The valve rod assembly (130) has a valve rod (132) with an orifice (135) that aligns with the blowndown conduit (144) when the valve plate (116) is at the closed position, thereby releasing pressure within the fluid compressor system (1000). A fluid compressor system (1000) for compressing a working fluid which includes the EMTV (100) is also provided.