Fuse-Triggered Flow Control Valve for Coolant Leak Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolant-distributers in heat transfer systems are not adjustable and can lead to overheating or damage due to leaks, disconnections, or ruptures, and rely on expensive and complex solenoid mechanisms that are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control valve with a transformable retainer that changes from a rigid to a softened or melted state in response to a signal, allowing the gate element to move from an open to a closed position, thereby controlling fluid flow and preventing further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid mechanisms are used to control fluid flow, then the system can automatically respond to trigger events, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex solenoid mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simple fuse element and spring assembly. The fuse element is removed upon trigger event detection, allowing the spring to automatically move the gate element, thereby eliminating the need for complex electrical control components while maintaining automatic response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable fuse element that is designed to be consumed or removed when a trigger event occurs. This simple, low-cost component replaces expensive and complex solenoid mechanisms, providing reliable automatic control at minimal cost. The fuse element's sacrificial nature ensures system safety without requiring complex control systems.
2Reliability
If conventional coolant-distributers are designed for maximum load, then they can handle peak demands, but they cannot adapt to lower loads or configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic configuration system where the coolant distributer can be reconfigured by adding or removing gate elements based on actual load requirements. Unlike static conventional designs, this system allows the number of active cooling channels to be adjusted dynamically, enabling optimal performance across varying load conditions while maintaining peak load handling capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system uses complex control mechanisms, then flow control precision is improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control mechanism where the fuse element and spring assembly automatically respond to trigger events without external control systems. The system self-actuates to close the gate element upon fuse removal, eliminating vulnerability to external control failures while maintaining precise flow control through the simple mechanical design.
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 effectively and economically controls fluid flow in response to trigger events like leaks, reducing the risk of overheating and damage, while simplifying the system and reducing the reliance on complex solenoid mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A fuse consisting of a transformable retainer is configured to retain the gate element in the first position, while the retainer is in a first condition, and to allow the gate element to move toward the second position when the retainer transforms to a second condition
Implementation Method 2
The transformable retainer may be configured to transform from the first condition to the second condition responsive to a signal, e.g., a signal indicative of a thermal change or a fluid leak
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow control valve includes a valve body having a bore configured to convey fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port. The inlet and outlet ports, and the bore therebetween, define a fluid flow path through the valve body. A gate element is disposed in the bore. The gate element is positionable in the bore from a first position, which allows fluid flow through the bore, to a second position which restricts fluid flow through the bore. An actuator is coupled to the gate element and is configured to urge the gate element from the first position toward the second position. A fuse consisting of a transformable retainer is configured to retain the gate element in the first position, while the retainer is in a first condition, and to allow the gate element to move toward the second position when the retainer transforms to a second condition. The transformable retainer may be configured to transform from the first condition to the second condition responsive to a signal, e.g., a signal indicative of a thermal change or a fluid leak. The innovative valves are especially but not exclusively suited for governing flow in a heat transfer system, particularly a heat transfer system for dissipating heat from a plurality of computer servers. The innovative valves may be embodied in systems, methods, apparatuses, and components.