Embedded Heating Wire Layout for Compact Valve Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve heating solutions, such as silicone heaters, are prone to damage and require frequent replacement, and they increase the size of the valve, which is a disadvantage in space-limited applications like aerospace.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermally conductive heating wire within the valve body during additive manufacturing, which eliminates the need for external heaters and reduces the overall size of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If silicone heaters are used to heat valve parts, then heating effectiveness is improved, but mechanical durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is merged with the valve body by integrating it during the additive manufacturing process. The heating element becomes an intrinsic part of the valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate silicone heater components that are prone to mechanical damage during installation and use.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is pre-formed and integrated into the valve body during manufacturing before the valve is put into service. This preliminary integration ensures the heating element is protected from mechanical damage that would occur during separate installation procedures.
2Temperature
If external silicone heaters are wrapped around valve parts, then heating coverage is improved, but valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is nested within the valve body structure itself. By embedding the heating element inside the additive-manufactured valve body, the heating functionality is achieved without adding external layers that would increase the overall valve dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element and valve body are merged into a single integrated component through additive manufacturing. This combination eliminates the need for additional space around the valve to accommodate external heaters, maintaining compact valve dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If silicone heaters are used for valve heating, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is combined with the valve body in a single manufactured component. This integration eliminates the separate installation step that compromises reliability, as the heating element cannot become detached or misaligned during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is pre-positioned and secured within the valve body during the additive manufacturing process. This preliminary placement ensures proper positioning and secure attachment before the valve undergoes any assembly or installation procedures, preventing future reliability issues.
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 solution provides reliable heating to the valve without increasing its size, reduces the risk of damage to the heating elements, and allows for flexible adaptation to different temperature requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive heating wire (100) located within the valve body (200)
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive heating wire (100) located within the valve body (200)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A heating arrangement for a valve, comprising a thermally conductive heating wire (100) embedded within a body (200) of the valve. Also provided is a valve body formed by additive manufacture and having a thermally conductive heating wire (100) embedded therein to which electric power is applied to cause the thermally conductive heating wire to generate heat in the valve body (200). A method of manufacture is also provided.