Flat SMA Valve Actuator With Membrane-Sealed Media Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve technologies using shape memory alloys (SMA) for media switching lack efficient mechanisms for ensuring gas-tight and liquid-tight separation, particularly in critical environments, and require complex electrical connections and actuator arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A valve design incorporating an SMA actuator with a core element that provides mechanical guidance, electrical contacting, and heat dissipation, along with a membrane and sealing elements for complete media isolation, allowing for simple switching between open and closed states using a reset spring for adaptable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple SMA actuators are arranged in a stack with additional electrical connections, then the valve can be actuated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple SMA actuators into a single integrated actuator element with a unified electrical connection structure. Instead of stacking separate actuators requiring multiple connections, the invention merges them into one component that can be connected with a single electrical connection, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can actuate the valve in different positions, provide mechanical support, and serve as a structural component of the valve body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators and reduces overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If SMA actuators are used for media switching, then switching capability is achieved, but complete media isolation and sealing are difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membrane structures as sealing elements that can dynamically adapt to the actuator's movement. These thin film membranes create reliable seals between different media chambers while allowing the actuator to move freely for switching operations, thus ensuring both switching capability and complete media isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes composite material structures combining different materials with complementary properties: SMA materials for actuation, elastomeric materials for sealing, and rigid materials for structural support. This composite approach ensures reliable media isolation while maintaining switching functionality.
3Extent of automation
If complex electrical connections are used for SMA actuators, then actuation control is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical connections into a single connection point for the actuator element. This simplification drastically reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty while maintaining full control capability over the SMA actuator through the unified connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrical connection structure serves multiple purposes: it provides power to the SMA actuator, enables control signaling, and acts as a mechanical mounting feature. This multi-functional design simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate connection components and assembly steps.
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 design ensures complete media isolation with rapid switching times and adaptability to various applications, including medical and critical environments, by using SMA actuators with integrated heat dissipation and sealing mechanisms, reducing contamination risks and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, which is produced from a shape memory alloy, referred to briefly as SMA hereinafter
Implementation Method 2
at least one core element (2), which forms a connection to at least one actuator (1) and serves for heat dissipation of the actuator (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for switching of media, such as liquids or gases, is opened, closed or put into an intermediate state by at least one actuator produced from a shape memory alloy. The at least one actuator, as a function of whether electricity is applied to it, acts on at least one valve ball or a valve plunger accommodated in a core element, so that the through-flow of a medium through a fluid part below the core element, with a media-tight membrane interposed between, is opened, interrupted or partially opened in regulated or controlled manner. The core element is produced from a mechanically rigid and thermally well-conductive material, has electrical conductor tracks for electrical connection of the actuator to a supply of electricity on the top side, as well as multiple threaded through-holes for underside connection with the fluid part and the membrane and/or for top-side connection with the actuator.