Electromagnetic Valve Locking for Centralized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency shutdown systems for mechanically actuated quick-acting valves face challenges in remote, centralized, and energy-independent operation, particularly in emergency scenarios where electrical power is unavailable, and require complex and expensive installations for hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mechanically actuated quick-acting valves with low active electrical holding forces, connected via electrical lines to a central switching unit, incorporating an electromagnet for locking and rotary contact switches with indicator lights and an emergency hammer for safe operation, and an external power supply with accumulators or batteries for uninterrupted functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic release is used for remote triggering, then quick-closing function is achieved, but expensive installations and complex systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic control system with an electrical control system. Instead of using hydraulic control lines to actuate the locking element, the invention uses an electromagnet that can be remotely controlled via electrical lines. This substitution eliminates the need for complex hydraulic infrastructure while achieving the same quick-closing function through electrical actuation of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnet as an intermediary device between the control system and the valve locking mechanism. The electromagnet serves as a mediator that converts electrical signals into mechanical force to actuate the locking element, replacing the direct hydraulic actuation and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If pneumatic release with central pressure supply system is used, then remote triggering is achieved, but multiple monitoring instruments and control devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic control system with an electrical control system. Instead of using a central pressure supply system with pneumatic control lines, the invention uses electrical lines to control an electromagnet. This substitution reduces the number of monitoring instruments and control devices required, as electrical systems are inherently simpler and more direct than pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pneumatic control infrastructure (pressure accumulators, monitoring instruments, control devices) by replacing it with a simpler electrical control mechanism. The essential function of remote triggering is preserved while removing the unnecessary complexity of the pneumatic system components.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual triggering using cable pull is used, then no external power connections are required, but triggering multiple valves from distance is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control system universal by using electrical lines that can control multiple electromagnets simultaneously. The same electrical infrastructure that provides power can also carry control signals to actuate multiple valves from a single remote location, thereby achieving multi-valve control capability while maintaining installation simplicity through the use of standard electrical wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnet as an intermediary that enables remote actuation of the locking element via electrical lines. This intermediary device allows the control signal to be transmitted over distance through electrical infrastructure, enabling multi-valve control from a remote location while utilizing existing electrical wiring systems.
4Ease of operation
If electromagnet is used for holding plunger in locking position, then electrical holding force is applied, but continuous energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using the spring force to hold the valve in the normal operating position (open or closed) and using the electromagnet only to override this spring force when actuation is required. This inversion eliminates continuous energy consumption, as the electromagnet needs to consume energy only during the brief actuation period rather than continuously maintaining the valve position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by applying electrical power to the electromagnet only when valve actuation is required, rather than continuously. The electromagnet is energized briefly to overcome the spring force and move the locking element, then de-energized, allowing the spring to maintain the valve in its normal position without requiring continuous energy input.
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 simple, cost-effective, and reliable centralized control of multiple quick-acting valves from a distance, independent of external energy sources, with reduced installation complexity and error prevention through visible emergency triggers.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element for holding the plunger (7) in the locking position is provided with an electromagnet (12) as a holding magnet
Implementation Method 2
the spring force of the spring (13) moves the plunger (7) back, since the holding forces of the electromagnet (12) are canceled
Data Source
AI summary
The arrangement has multiple rapid closing valves that are connected with a central switching unit via electrical control lines, and a locking unit (8) provided for each valve. Each locking unit has a valve lifter (7) that is arranged against force of a spring in a locking position and held by a controllable electromagnet as a magnetic clamp by an electrical voltage applied via control line. A central switching unit adjusts a voltage interruption, where the lifter releases a closing process of the valve with the help of the switching unit.