Electromagnetic Check Valve for Oxygen-Controlled Air Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport refrigeration systems face challenges in maintaining optimal oxygen levels within enclosed containers to prevent damage to perishable goods, as existing systems either dry out items or inefficiently use power to control air exchange.
Innovation Solution
An air exchange valve system with a valve cap and resilient flexible member, coupled to an electromagnet and sensor, automatically adjusts to allow fresh air intake based on oxygen levels, using power to control the valve's position between open and closed states to maintain optimal oxygen concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fresh air is continuously drawn into the refrigeration system, then oxygen levels are maintained, but the perishable items dry out and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air exchange valve operates periodically rather than continuously, opening only when oxygen levels drop below the threshold. The electromagnet activates intermittently to open the valve cap, allowing fresh air intake only when needed, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the container
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen sensor continuously monitors the oxygen level inside the container and provides feedback to the controller. When the oxygen level falls below the predetermined threshold, the controller activates the electromagnet to open the valve. This closed-loop feedback system ensures air exchange occurs only when necessary, optimizing both oxygen maintenance and energy efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If the air exchange valve remains open, then fresh air intake is maximized, but the system loses cold air and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cap is held closed by the resilient flexible member and only opens periodically when the electromagnet is activated. This periodic opening allows fresh air intake only when oxygen levels require replenishment, preventing continuous loss of cold air and reducing the refrigeration system's energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient flexible member automatically biases the valve cap to the closed position, maintaining the sealed state without requiring continuous power. The valve system self-regulates by using the flexible member's elastic force to keep the valve closed, opening only when the electromagnet overcomes this biasing force
3Ease of operation
If a traditional electromechanical valve is used, then air exchange is controlled, but the device complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromechanical valve mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that directly acts on the magnetic portion of the valve cap, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, or linkages. This substitution reduces device complexity and potential failure points while maintaining effective air exchange control
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient flexible member serves as both the valve actuator and the sealing element. This flexible component biases the valve cap to the closed position and provides the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate springs, seals, and mechanical actuators. The flexible member's elasticity enables simple, reliable operation with minimal moving parts
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
This solution ensures optimal oxygen levels are maintained within the container, preventing damage to perishable goods while minimizing power consumption and avoiding air drying, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the refrigeration system.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnet is positioned inside the air exchange panel, opposite the valve cap. A controller is coupled to the electromagnet to selectively apply power to move the valve cap between the first position and the second position.
Implementation Method 2
The resilient flexible member biases the valve cap into a first position.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for use in an air exchange panel (20) of a transportation refrigeration system is provided including a valve cap (102) configured and arranged to be positioned adjacent the air exchange panel (20) and movable between a first position and a second position. The valve cap (102) includes a magnetic portion. A resilient flexible member (110) is coupled to the valve cap (102) and is configured and arranged to be coupled to the air exchange panel (20). The resilient flexible member (110) biases the valve cap (102) into a first position. An electromagnet (150) is positioned inside the air exchange panel (20), opposite the valve cap (102). A controller is coupled to the electromagnet (150) to selectively apply power to move the valve cap (102) between the first position and the second position.