Fluid Flow Detection Guide Member Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow detection devices in lubrication systems face reliability issues when detecting low fluid flow rates, as the valve member may not completely separate from the supply aperture, leading to inaccurate detection and adverse effects on the returning operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow detection device with a guide member that secures a flow path from the supply aperture to the discharge aperture, allowing the valve member to float and securely separate from the supply aperture, even at low flow rates, while maintaining the returning operation's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the urging force of the coil spring is reduced to enable complete separation of the valve member from the supply aperture at low flow rates, then the detection reliability is improved, but the returning operation of the valve member is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the valve member into two separate components: the valve member itself and the guide member. The guide member remains in contact with the supply aperture to ensure reliable detection, while the valve member can fully separate for complete flow detection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the detection function to be fulfilled by the guide member while the valve member maintains its returning operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the valve member and the supply aperture. It provides a stable contact point for detection while allowing the valve member to move freely for flow control. The guide member mediates between the need for reliable detection contact and the need for complete valve separation at low flow rates.
2Reliability
If the valve member is designed to float and separate completely from the supply aperture, then detection reliability at low flow rates is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional guide member
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the valve member's movement, provides a stable detection contact point, and enables complete separation of the valve member from the supply aperture. By making the guide member multi-functional, the invention reduces overall device complexity while maintaining improved detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the guidance function and the detection contact function into a single guide member component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed while achieving both reliable detection and proper valve member movement, thereby offsetting the added complexity from having an additional component.
3Productivity
If the valve member moves against the urging force of the coil spring to open the supply aperture, then fluid flow detection is enabled, but the movement amount is significantly small at low flow rates, preventing complete separation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve assembly into a valve member and a guide member, the invention allows the guide member to provide the necessary movement for detection while the valve member can achieve complete separation. The guide member's movement along with the valve member ensures that even small flow rates can be detected through the guide member's displacement from its initial position.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary that amplifies the movement effect. When fluid flows, it pushes both the valve member and guide member, but the guide member's movement is more significant relative to its initial position, enabling detection of even small flow rates while the valve member achieves complete separation for accurate flow control.
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 device enhances detection reliability by ensuring complete separation of the valve member from the supply aperture, even at low flow rates, and maintains the returning operation's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
when the fluid is supplied through the supply port 13, the fluid is received by the valve member 40 and the guide member 50, whereupon the valve member 40 and the guide member 50 easily float
Data Source
AI summary
In a valve member, supply and discharge apertures of fluid are formed at a body having a fluid space E. A one electrode Da including a contact T is provided at an aperture edge of the supply aperture and/or a peripheral part of an aperture edge of the body. The body includes another electrode Db, and stores a valve member made of a conductor and opening and closing the supply aperture, and a coil spring made of a conductor and urges the valve member. A guide member made of a conductor is attached onto the valve member. The guide member is formed to secure a flow path of the fluid from the supply aperture to the discharge aperture while being slidable in the fluid space E, has a reception surface facing one end face of the fluid space E while receiving the fluid from the supply aperture.