Integrated Fluid Control Device Merging Manual and Automatic Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid control devices require both automatic and manual valves, leading to increased cost and space usage, as they need to be combined for opening and closing mechanisms, with no single device capable of replacing both functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device that integrates both automatic and manual opening and closing functions into a single unit, utilizing a valve case, casing, valve element, elastic member, and working member that can be manually or automatically operated to control fluid channels, allowing for both normal automatic operation and emergency manual shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both automatic valve and manual valve are combined to control fluid channel, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the automatic valve and manual valve into a single integrated device. The valve body houses both the automatic opening/closing mechanism (with diaphragm, spring, and working member) and the manual operation mechanism (with operating handle and connection piece) that share common components like the valve element and fluid passages, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve serves multiple functions: it can automatically open and close based on fluid pressure differential, can be manually operated for emergency shutdown, and includes features for both normal operation and emergency situations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate automatic and manual valves
2Reliability
If both automatic valve and manual valve are combined to control fluid channel, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates automatic and manual valve functions into a single manufactured unit with shared components (valve body, valve element, fluid passages), reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining the reliability benefits of having both automatic and manual control capabilities
3Reliability
If both automatic valve and manual valve are combined to control fluid channel, then reliability is improved, but space usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automatic valve and manual valve into a single compact integrated device where components are shared and arranged in a space-efficient manner within a common valve body, reducing the total space required compared to having two separate valves while maintaining the reliability advantages of dual control capability
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 integrated device enables efficient fluid control by automatically opening or closing fluid channels using compressed fluid or electromagnetic means, and can be manually operated in emergencies, reducing the need for separate automatic and manual valves and optimizing space and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member biasing the valve element to the closing position or the opening position
Implementation Method 2
The automatically opening and closing means may be performed by introduction or discharge of the compressed fluid to the compressed fluid inlet chamber formed in the casing or by electromagnetic force
Implementation Method 3
The automatically opening and closing means may be performed by introduction or discharge of the compressed fluid to the compressed fluid inlet chamber formed in the casing or by electromagnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device 71 includes a working member 75 in automatic opening and closing, which is moved vertically by introduction or discharge of compressed fluid to or from a compressed fluid inlet chamber 90 formed in a casing 73 to move a valve element holder 5 to an opening position against bias force of a compression coil spring 77, and an working member 74 in manual opening and closing, which is moved vertically by a manual operation and directly presses the valve element holder 5 downward when it is moved downward.