Pressurized-Gas Shut-Off Valve With Impulse Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off valves for pressurized-gas vessels, particularly those used in fuel cell vehicles, require high initial opening forces to manage high pressures, either through large magnetic forces for direct switching or complex structures for indirect switching, complicating their design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A directly switched shut-off valve with a preloaded valve closing body and an actuator arrangement interacting with a coaxial actuating element, where the actuator converts kinetic energy into opening momentum upon impact, reducing the force required for full opening and simplifying the structure by using a small actuator arrangement and return spring for reset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a directly switched shut-off valve is used, then the structure is simple, but high initial opening forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is pre-positioned at a distance from the valve closing body, ready to deliver a momentum impulse when activated. This preliminary positioning enables the valve to overcome high initial opening forces without requiring complex pressure compensation mechanisms, thus maintaining structural simplicity while reducing the actuating force requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary between the actuator arrangement and the valve closing body. It converts the actuator's motion into a focused momentum impulse that strikes the valve closing body, enabling efficient force transmission without requiring the actuator to directly withstand the full opening force, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
2Force
If an indirectly switched shut-off valve is used, then the opening force requirement is reduced, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pressure compensation function from the traditional indirect switching mechanism. By using a momentum impulse from the actuating element to achieve initial opening, the complex multi-stage pressure compensation system is eliminated, while still achieving the benefit of reduced actuating force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical pressure compensation system with a momentum-based opening mechanism. The actuating element delivers a kinetic impulse to the valve closing body, substituting the need for gradual pressure equalization through multiple mechanical components, thereby simplifying the valve structure.
3Force
If large magnetic forces are applied, then high initial opening forces are achieved, but the actuator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a static force application approach to a dynamic momentum impulse approach. The actuating element is accelerated to a specific velocity and then strikes the valve closing body, delivering the necessary opening force through kinetic energy rather than sustained magnetic force, allowing for a smaller, lighter actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of force application from continuous high force to impulsive force with specific momentum. By controlling the velocity and mass of the actuating element, the required opening force is achieved through a brief impulse rather than sustained force, reducing the actuator's power requirements and physical size.
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 provides high initial opening forces with a simple construction, reducing the number of parts and actuating forces needed, while allowing for efficient pressure compensation and reduced holding forces, optimizing the shut-off valve's operation against high pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the kinetic energy of the actuating element is converted, upon impact with the valve closing body, into a force which lifts the valve closing body out of the valve seat against high pressure
Implementation Method 2
a valve closing body which can perform stroke movements and which is preloaded against a valve seat by the spring force of a closing spring
Implementation Method 3
the actuator arrangement and/or the actuating element are/is preloaded by the spring force of a return spring
Data Source
AI summary
A shut-off valve for a pressurized-gas vessel includes a valve closing body which can perform stroke movements and is preloaded by the spring force of a closing spring against a valve seat. When the valve closing body is in a closed position, a connection of a valve inlet to a valve outlet is shut off. The shut-off valve includes an actuator arrangement for opening the valve closing body. The actuator arrangement interacts with an actuating element which is arranged spaced apart from and coaxial with respect to the valve closing body and which is movable by the actuator arrangement in the direction of the valve closing body. When the actuating element abuts against the valve closing body, an opening impulse can be generated.