Electronic Expansion Valve Interface for Leak-Tight Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration and cooling systems face issues with fluid leakage, fouling, ice formation, mechanical stress, and lack of feedback in seat and obturator valves, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus using a ball obturator and direct current servo-motor, integrated with an electronic interface module, converts input signals from stepper motors to control the obturator's position accurately, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems without requiring parameter adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If seat and obturator valves are used for controlling refrigerant flow, then the valve structure is simple and widely available, but fluid leakage occurs when closed and compressor breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical seat and obturator valve system with an electronic expansion valve that uses an electric motor to drive a threaded stem, which in turn moves a disc-shaped obturator. This mechanical-to-electronic substitution enables precise control of the obturator position, ensuring perfect sealing when closed while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized electronic components.
2Device complexity
If seat and obturator valves are used, then the valve design is straightforward, but a minimum flow rate step exists at first opening due to circular crown area, affecting regulation continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the obturator position through an electronic motor system with programmable control. The obturator can be positioned at any angle within a wide range (e.g., 30° to 90°), allowing continuous adjustment of the flow area without the discrete step limitations of traditional valves. This dynamic positioning capability ensures smooth regulation continuity while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized electronic components.
3Device complexity
If seat and obturator valves are used, then the valve structure is conventional, but susceptibility to fouling and ice formation between movable and fixed elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical seat and obturator interface with an electronic motor-driven threaded stem system that moves a disc-shaped obturator. This substitution eliminates the direct contact and potential fouling between seat and obturator surfaces, as the threaded mechanism provides precise control without requiring tight tolerances. The design also prevents ice formation by avoiding trapped spaces between mating surfaces, thereby reducing susceptibility to harmful factors while maintaining conventional structural principles.
4Device complexity
If seat and obturator valves are used, then the valve design is standard, but pressure difference mechanically stresses the stem, affecting service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical stem subjected to pressure differential with an electronic motor system that drives a threaded stem. The motor provides controlled force to move the obturator, counteracting the pressure differential rather than relying solely on the stem to withstand it. This substitution significantly reduces mechanical stress on the stem and other components, extending service life while maintaining standardized valve design principles for the overall structure.
5Measurement precision
If electronic expansion valves are used, then control precision is improved, but no feedback on actual obturator position is provided, making blockages undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of electronic sensors that detect the actual position of the obturator and provide this information back to the control system. This feedback loop enables the controller to monitor whether the obturator has reached the desired position and to detect any blockages or malfunctions. The feedback system maintains high measurement precision for obturator position control while eliminating the information loss about actual valve state.
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 apparatus provides leak-proof operation, quick installation, and efficient control of fluid flow with high differential pressures, reducing costs and minimizing system downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a direct current servo-motor positioned to move the ball obturator
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for automatically controlling the flow rate of a fluid (FR) flowing along a duct (101), comprising: a valve element (2) adapted to be interposed along a section of the duct (101) and provided with an obturator (21); a servo-motor (3), operatively connected to the obturator (21) so as to allow displacement thereof; an electronic control unit (4) operatively connected to the servo-motor (3) and configured to generate an output signal (OS) to be supplied to the servo-motor (3). The apparatus comprises an electronic interface module (5) operatively connected to the electronic control unit (4) and configured to be connected to external electronic control means (102). The electronic interface module (5) is configured to convert the input signal (IS) received by the external electronic control means (102) into an intermediate signal (MS) and the electronic control unit (4) is configured to convert the intermediate signal (MS) into the output signal (OS).