Electronic Expansion Valve With De-Energized Auto Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic expansion valves cannot automatically close after de-energization, leading to increased system costs and leakage risks due to the need for additional components like independent electromagnetic switch valves and braze welding joints.
Innovation Solution
An electronic expansion valve with an electromagnetic retaining mechanism that retains a spindle in an energized position to adjust the valve opening and releases it to a de-energized position to close the valve seat, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing assembly and leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an independent electromagnetic switch valve is connected in series to achieve automatic closing after de-energization, then the automatic closing function is improved, but the system cost and device complexity increase due to additional components and braze welding joints
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic switch valve function is merged with the electronic expansion valve by integrating the electromagnetic coil directly onto the valve body. The coil is wound around the valve needle assembly, combining the throttling function and the switching function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for a separate electromagnetic switch valve and its associated piping connections
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic expansion valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a throttling device and an automatically closable switch valve. By equipping the valve body with an electromagnetic coil that can drive the valve needle to close the valve seat, the single device achieves both flow regulation and automatic shutdown capabilities
2Extent of automation
If an independent electromagnetic switch valve is connected in series to achieve automatic closing after de-energization, then the automatic closing function is improved, but the leakage risk increases due to additional braze welding joints in the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic switch valve function is merged with the electronic expansion valve by integrating the electromagnetic coil directly onto the valve body. The coil is wound around the valve needle assembly, combining the throttling function and the switching function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for a separate electromagnetic switch valve and its associated piping connections
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (independent electromagnetic switch valve and its connecting piping) is extracted from the system. By removing the separate switch valve and its braze welding joints, the source of potential leakage is eliminated while retaining the desired automatic closing functionality through the integrated coil design
3Extent of automation
If a standby power supply (super-capacitor or battery) is provided to achieve automatic closing after de-energization, then the automatic closing function is improved, but the cost and controller complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a standby power supply to maintain energization, the design inverts the approach by using the de-energized state itself to trigger the closing action. The electromagnetic coil is designed so that when power is removed, the magnetic field collapses and a spring mechanism automatically drives the valve needle to close the valve seat, utilizing the loss of energy rather than requiring additional power storage
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 allows the electronic expansion valve to automatically close when de-energized, reducing system costs and improving safety by eliminating the need for additional valves and braze welding joints, while ensuring reliable closure of the valve seat.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic retaining mechanism includes an electromagnetic coil, a fixed iron stationary relative to the coil, and a movable iron movable relative to the fixed iron
Implementation Method 2
to release the spindle to a second axial position at which the valve needle closes the valve seat when the electromagnetic retaining mechanism is de-energized
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic expansion valve includes a valve component for adjusting the flow of fluid. The valve component includes a valve body, a valve seat provided in the valve body, a valve needle able to open and close the valve seat, an actuating mechanism driving the axial movement of the valve needle and a drive mechanism supplying the actuating mechanism with motive power. The actuating mechanism includes a spindle able to move axially. The electronic expansion valve further includes an electromagnetic retaining mechanism for retaining the spindle. The valve is constructed such that when electricity is supplied to the electromagnetic retaining mechanism, the spindle is retained in a first axial position where the valve needle can adjust the opening degree of the valve seat; when the electricity to the electromagnetic retaining mechanism is cut, the spindle is released into a second axial position where the valve needle closes the valve seat.