Gas shut-off valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas appliances lack a reliable mechanism for safely and efficiently controlling gas flow during power outages, as they rely solely on electrically operated shut-off valves, which fail to function without power, posing a risk in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A shut-off valve system that combines an electromagnetic actuator and a manual actuator, allowing for bistable operation using different polarity electric pulses and manual intervention, ensuring the valve can close the gas passage even without power, and enabling user control in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electrically operated shut-off valve is used, then the valve can be controlled remotely and automatically, but it fails to function during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The shut-off valve system is segmented into two independent actuation mechanisms: an electromagnetic actuator for automatic control and a manual actuator for emergency operation. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently, ensuring that the automatic control capability is preserved while adding a fallback manual operation mode for power outage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the manual actuator and the closure member. When engaged, this intermediary transmits mechanical force from the manual actuator to move the closure member. The coupling mechanism can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the system to switch between manual and electromagnetic actuation modes as needed.
2Reliability
If a manual actuator is added to enable emergency operation, then reliability during power outages improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual actuator is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. It can operate in two modes: when the coupling mechanism is engaged, it directly moves the closure member; when disengaged, it can still manually position the closure member through the electromagnetic actuator's movable assembly. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, offsetting the added complexity of having both actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual actuator and electromagnetic actuator share common structural elements, including the movable assembly and closure member. By merging these components, the patent reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining both manual and automatic operation capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the manual actuator is always coupled to the movable assembly, then manual control is always available, but the electromagnetic actuator cannot close the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the manual actuator and movable assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. It can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on operational needs. When disengaged, the electromagnetic actuator has direct access to the movable assembly for automatic closure. When engaged, the manual actuator gains control. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes to function when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides two separate actuation paths (manual and electromagnetic) that both ultimately control the same closure member. Rather than having one actuator directly control the closure member and the other control a different component, both actuators can independently move the closure member through their respective mechanisms, ensuring both manual and automatic control capabilities remain functional.
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 system ensures safe and reliable gas flow control by allowing manual operation during power outages and maintaining closure even when electric power is unavailable, enhancing safety and usability in gas appliances.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator assembly comprising an electromagnetic field generator and a movable assembly to which the closure member is attached, the movable assembly being magnetically associated with the electromagnetic field generator and movable between first and second positions that respectively correspond to the closed and open positions of the closure member
Data Source
AI summary
A shut-off valve that has a closure orifice, a closure member to open and close a gas passage through the shut-off valve, an electromagnetic actuator including a movable assembly attached to the closure member, the closure member, and an electromagnetic filed generator magnetically associated with the movable assembly. The shut-off valve also includes a manual actuator for acting on the movable assembly, the manual actuator comprising an open position in which it is decoupled from the movable assembly, the electromagnetic actuator thus being able to act on the closure member to cause its closure.