Shut-off Gas Valve Inverted Electromagnetic Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated gas shut-off valves require high energy consumption and costly components, limiting their efficiency and compatibility with low-voltage electronic device standards.
Innovation Solution
A low-energy consumption shut-off gas valve design featuring an electromagnetic actuator with a static armature, static permanent magnet, and a movable bobbin with a coil, where the bobbin and coil move integrally with the closure member, reducing the mass to be moved and allowing operation on lower voltages, such as 5 volts, and utilizing an elastomeric membrane for sealing and centering the closure member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional electromagnetic shut-off valves use a static armature with a movable coil assembly, then the valve can achieve shut-off function, but the energy consumption is high and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional electromagnetic actuator design by making the armature movable instead of static, and the coil assembly static instead of movable. This reversal reduces the mass that needs to be accelerated during operation, thereby lowering energy consumption and allowing for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by enabling the valve to operate at lower voltages (e.g., 5 volts) compared to traditional designs. This parameter change is achieved through the inverted actuator design, which requires less energy to operate, thereby reducing both energy consumption and manufacturing costs
2Use of energy by moving object
If the coil and armature are designed to move with the closure member, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coil assembly with the stationary housing structure, eliminating the need for a separate movable coil assembly. The armature is directly coupled to the closure member, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining low energy consumption through the inverted design principle
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional valves require 12 volts or 24 volts for operation, then sufficient magnetic force is generated, but compatibility with low-voltage electronic devices is poor
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the electromagnetic actuator design with a movable armature and static coil, the patent reduces the power requirements enabling operation at low voltages (e.g., 5 volts), which improves compatibility with modern low-voltage electronic devices and systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from traditional high voltages (12V or 24V) to low voltage (5V), achieving compatibility with electronic devices through the optimized inverted actuator design that requires less power to generate the necessary magnetic force
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 achieves lower energy consumption, reduced costs, and compatibility with low-voltage systems, enabling efficient operation and integration into various appliances.
Implementation Method 1
When the coil is fed with an electric current a magnetic field is generated, causing the movement of the armature which causes the change of state of the valve
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field interacting with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is generated, causing the movement of the movable element
Data Source
AI summary
A shut-off valve that according to one implementation comprises an inlet, an outlet, an intermediate orifice for communicating the outlet with the inlet, a closure member that closes the intermediate orifice in a closing position and prevents said communication and not preventing said communication in an opening position, and an electromagnetic actuator to cause the closure member to change position. The electromagnetic actuator comprises a static armature, a static permanent magnet and a movable element attached to the closure member. The movable element comprises a bobbin associated with the armature with freedom of movement and a coil wound around and attached to the bobbin, cooperating with the permanent magnet depending on its power supply to cause the closure member to change position.