Flow Rate Control Valve Plunger Stability via Groove Asymmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow rate control valves in blood pressure measurement apparatuses face issues with plunger stability due to irregularly arranged recessed grooves on the bobbin, leading to variations in valve contact timing and outflow path expansion, affecting measurement consistency.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid-type flow rate control valve design with alternating recessed grooves and protruding regions on the bobbin, where the intervals and widths of the grooves are carefully aligned to maintain a circular symmetry, ensuring stable plunger movement and consistent valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple recessed grooves are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the bobbin to increase discharge flow rate, then the outflow path expands and rapid air discharge is realized, but the surfaces of the protruding regions may not be located on one perfect circle, causing unstable plunger movement and variation in valve contact timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing the recessed grooves with non-uniform angular intervals. Specifically, the angular interval between adjacent recessed grooves varies, creating asymmetric protruding regions that compensate for manufacturing tolerances and ensure the plunger moves along a stable circular path. This asymmetric arrangement prevents the plunger from contacting different portions of the protruding regions during operation, thereby maintaining consistent valve contact timing despite the multiple grooves needed for high discharge flow rate.
2Productivity
If the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the bobbin and the outer circumferential surface of the plunger is made larger to increase discharge flow rate, then rapid air discharge is realized, but the plunger will be less likely to be held by the bobbin, causing rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized protruding regions on the inner circumferential surface of the bobbin between the recessed grooves. These protruding regions serve as precise holding points for the plunger, providing localized contact surfaces that maintain plunger stability even when the overall gap between the bobbin and plunger is enlarged. This allows the gap to be sufficiently large for high discharge flow rate while ensuring the plunger is properly held at specific locations by the protruding regions, preventing rattling during operation.
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
This configuration enhances plunger stability, reduces rattling, and maintains consistent valve operation, minimizing variations in internal pressure and measurement characteristics across repeated uses.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid coil for generating a magnetic flux; a plunger that is arranged inside of the bobbin and is configured to move in an axial direction due to the magnetic flux formed by the solenoid coil
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate control valve includes a bobbin and a plunger. On an inner circumferential surface of the bobbin, multiple protruding regions that extend in a direction parallel in an axial direction to the plunger, and a plurality of recessed grooves that form flow paths for a fluid when valve is open are provided side by side alternatingly in a circumferential direction. The multiple recessed grooves include a first recessed groove, second recessed groove, and third recessed groove that are arranged side by side sequentially in the circumferential direction. An interval in the circumferential direction between the first recessed groove and second recessed groove and an interval in the circumferential direction between the second recessed groove and third recessed groove are the same. Surfaces of the multiple protruding regions formed on the inner circumferential surface of the bobbin can be arranged at positions closer to those of one perfect circle.