Flow Path Switching Valve With Plate-Spring Gap for Fast Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow path switching valves experience reduced responsiveness due to frictional forces generated when the spool and sleeve rub against each other during fluid flow path switching.
Innovation Solution
A flow path switching valve design that incorporates plate springs to maintain a predetermined gap between the valve body and the main body, allowing for non-contact reciprocation driven by an actuator, thereby eliminating frictional forces and improving responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spool and sleeve are designed to slide against each other for flow path switching, then the valve can achieve flow path switching function, but frictional force is generated which lowers responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional sliding mechanical contact between spool and sleeve with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The actuator generates a magnetic field that magnetically attracts the spool to move axially, eliminating direct mechanical contact and friction between the spool and sleeve, thereby improving switching responsiveness while maintaining flow path switching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the actuator and the spool. The actuator generates a magnetic field that acts on the spool through the valve body without requiring direct mechanical contact, allowing the spool to be driven remotely and reducing frictional losses at the interface
2Device complexity
If the spool is driven by direct mechanical contact, then the structure is simple, but frictional force reduces the responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact-driven spool actuation with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The actuator generates a magnetic field that magnetically attracts the spool to move axially, eliminating direct mechanical contact and friction between the spool and sleeve, thereby improving switching responsiveness while maintaining flow path switching functionality
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 enhances the responsiveness of fluid flow path switching by preventing frictional forces during valve operation and allowing for precise control of the valve body movement using elastic forces from the plate springs.
Implementation Method 1
plate springs which are attached to opposite end portions of the valve body in the predetermined direction, respectively, and which support the valve body such that a predetermined gap is formed between the predetermined surface and the facing surface, and which apply elastic force to the valve body in accordance with an amount of movement of the valve body in the predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
The flow path switching valve includes (a) a valve body having an open flow path which opens on a predetermined surface over a predetermined length in a predetermined direction, (b) a main body having a plurality of ports which open on a facing surface facing the predetermined surface at an interval shorter than the predetermined length in the predetermined direction, and a plurality of connection flow paths connected to the plurality of ports, (c) plate springs attached on both ends of the valve body in the predetermined direction so as to support the valve body such that a predetermined gap is formed between the predetermined surface and the facing surface, the plate springs applying elastic force onto the valve body according to a movement amount of the valve body in the predetermined direction, and (d) an actuator which drives the valve body back and forth in the predetermined direction.