Electromagnetic Flexure Valve Biasing for Failsafe Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic flexure valves lack a failsafe state, making them unsuitable for applications requiring safe operation, particularly in vehicle braking systems, where unpredictable valve states can occur without electrical power.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a biasing configuration, such as a predetermined bend in the flexure assembly or the use of imbalanced magnets with an electromagnet, to ensure the flexure assembly adopts a predetermined state when electrical power is absent, providing a failsafe mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no biasing configuration is provided, then the valve can operate with simpler structure and fewer components, but the valve state becomes unpredictable when electrical power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing configuration (pre-stressed layer or imbalanced magnets) is pre-configured in the flexure assembly to automatically bias the valve towards a failsafe state when electrical power is lost, eliminating the need for additional active components during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The use of imbalanced magnets with different magnetic strengths creates an inherent asymmetry in the magnetic forces acting on the flexure assembly, ensuring that when power is lost, the stronger magnet automatically pulls the valve to a predetermined safe state
2Reliability
If additional components are added to provide failsafe operation, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The failsafe function is merged into the existing flexure assembly structure by incorporating a pre-stressed layer or imbalanced magnets, combining the actuation mechanism and failsafe mechanism into a single integrated component rather than adding separate failsafe devices
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing configuration enables the valve to automatically transition to a failsafe state using its own structural properties and stored elastic energy or magnetic field, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional power-consuming components
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 ensures a reliable failsafe operation of the valve, eliminating the need for additional components in braking systems and enhancing safety by maintaining a consistent valve state even without electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to receive electrical power from a power supply and to actuate the flexure assembly between the first and second states
Implementation Method 2
the part of the flexure assembly 40 that is movable between the pole pieces is attracted towards a pole piece by a magnetic force, thereby defining a valve state
Implementation Method 3
a resilient mechanical force is generated by deflecting the resilient portion from an undeflected position
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic flexure valve (1) including: a first pole piece (50a) and a second pole piece (50b); a flexure assembly (40) a portion of which is configured for movement between a first state adjacent the first pole piece and a second state adjacent the second pole piece; a coil (20) configured to receive electrical power from a power supply and to actuate the flexure assembly between the first and second states; and a biasing configuration configured to bias the flexure assembly into the first or the second state when the coil is not powered and irrespective of the current state of the flexure assembly such that a failsafe mode is provided.