Three-Position Flexure Valve for Brake Failsafe Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle braking systems require valves with enhanced failsafe capabilities to ensure reliable operation under varying pressure conditions and potential electrical power failures, which existing flexure valves do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A three-position electromagnetic valve with a flexure assembly and magnetizable components that allows for controlled movement between different operational positions, including a failsafe configuration, using a combination of electromagnets and permanent magnets to manage fluid flow and maintain valve functionality even in power loss scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electromagnetic valve is used in a vehicle braking system, then the valve can control fluid flow during normal operation, but the valve lacks reliable failsafe capability when electrical power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve inverts the conventional electromagnetic operation by using permanent magnets to establish the default failsafe position and electromagnetic coils to override this position during normal operation. When power is lost, the permanent magnets automatically return the flexure to the failsafe position, eliminating the need for complex additional failsafe mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces permanent magnets as intermediary elements that mediate between the electromagnetic coils and the flexure assembly. These permanent magnets create a magnetic circuit that establishes the failsafe position, while the electromagnetic coils can override this when powered, providing a reliable transition between normal and failsafe operation.
2Reliability
If the valve uses only electromagnets to control the flexure, then the valve can be controlled during normal operation, but the valve cannot maintain a predictable failsafe position when power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets are self-service elements that automatically establish the failsafe position without requiring external energy input. When electromagnetic power is lost, the permanent magnets self-activate to return the flexure to the predetermined failsafe position, ensuring predictable behavior without additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets perform preliminary action by pre-establishing the magnetic circuit and failsafe position before power loss occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when power is lost, the system automatically transitions to a known, predictable state without requiring active control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve design incorporates multiple magnets and a complex flexure assembly, then the valve achieves three-position control with failsafe capability, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils into a unified magnetic circuit that acts on the flexure assembly. This integration allows the complex three-position control function to be achieved through a coordinated system rather than separate mechanisms, simplifying the overall manufacturing approach despite the multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical linkage, a magnetic circuit component, and a positioning element. The permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils work together to provide both normal operation control and failsafe functionality through a single integrated design, reducing the need for separate mechanisms.
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 a reliable and predictable failsafe mode for the valve, ensuring continued operation and fluid control in vehicle braking systems by maintaining valve functionality even in power loss scenarios, enhancing redundancy and reliability within the braking assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the flexure is magnetisable, to provide a first magnet... a second magnet is associated with the first port and a third magnet is associated with the second port
Implementation Method 2
The first and third magnets may be electromagnets... energisation of the first magnet enables movement of the flexure away from the first position
Implementation Method 3
a first valve member which is moveable relative to a first valve seat... biased towards a closed position... by a first biasing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A valve (10) including a first port (12), a second port (14), a third port (16) and a flexure (30), the flexure (30) being moveable between a first position which causes the first port (12) to open, a second position which causes the second port (14) to open, and a third position which causes the first and second ports (12, 14) to close, wherein at least a part of the flexure (30) is magnetisable, to provide a first magnet (32), a second magnet (34) is associated with the first port (12) and a third magnet (36) is associated with the second port (14). A valve assembly includes a pair of valves wherein only one of the valves is operable at any given time.