Electropneumatic Magnet Valve Manual Operator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electropneumatic magnet valves require full assembly and electrical connection for functional verification, which is complex and not easily accessible for unskilled personnel, and may affect the technical environment during examination.
Innovation Solution
An electropneumatic magnet valve with a manually operable valve member operator that can move the flapper plate independently of the electromagnetic control device, using a static permanent magnetic field for contact-free actuation, allowing examination of functional operability without electrical energization, featuring a safety mechanism to prevent activation during coil energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full assembly and electrical connection are required for functional verification, then complete operational testing is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the verification process into two independent parts: (1) a manual operator that can be operated without electrical connection to verify basic mechanical functionality, and (2) the electromagnetic control device that can be tested separately by applying voltage. This segmentation allows unskilled personnel to perform basic functional verification without requiring complete assembly and electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operator is designed to enable preliminary functional verification of the valve's mechanical components (flapper plate movement, seal engagement) before electrical connection is made. This preliminary action allows users to check basic operability and identify obvious defects before proceeding to electrical testing, simplifying the overall verification process.
2Reliability
If electrical connection is required for functional verification, then electromagnetic control testing is achieved, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the manual operator cannot be actuated when the electromagnetic coil is energized. This is achieved through a mechanical interlock or sensor system that detects coil energization and prevents manual operation. This dynamic restriction eliminates magnetic interference during examination while preserving the ability to test electromagnetic control functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between the manual operator and the electromagnetic coil. This intermediary system monitors the electrical state and controls the availability of the manual operator accordingly, preventing simultaneous operation that would cause magnetic interference while still allowing separate testing of both functions.
3Ease of operation
If manual operator is added for functional examination, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operator is designed with multi-functionality to minimize added complexity. It serves multiple purposes: (1) verifying mechanical movement of the flapper plate, (2) checking seal engagement with valve seats, (3) testing pneumatic flow paths, and (4) providing a safety function by preventing operation during coil energization. By consolidating these functions into a single mechanism, the patent avoids excessive complexity while maximizing examination capability.
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 comprehensive functional examination of the electropneumatic valve without affecting the technical environment, allowing unskilled personnel to verify the valve's operability before assembly, and ensuring safe operation by preventing magnetic interference with other components.
Implementation Method 1
using a static permanent magnetic field for contact-free actuation
Implementation Method 2
an electropneumatic control device in the form of a coil inherent to the magnet valve, the coil displacing the flapper plate against the axial bias of the spring when supplied with electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
An electropneumatic magnet valve for a pneumatically actuated field device can include a valve member, an electromagnetic controller, a magnet valve member, and an activator. The valve member can be moveable between at least two operating positions for ventilating and/or exhausting a magnet valve exit. The electromagnetic controller can move the valve member between the operating positions. The magnet valve member operator can move, additionally with respect to the electromagnetic controller, the valve member independently of an operation of the electromagnetic controller. The valve member operator can include an activator to selectively generate/provide a magnetic field for contact free operation of the valve member via which the magnet valve member operator is changeable between a passive operating condition and an active operating condition.