Latching Fluid Valve with Reversible Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves are unsuitable for low energy applications due to the need for continuous electrical activation to maintain the valve position and are not tolerant of low fluid pressure, negative fluid pressure, or reverse fluid flow, limiting their use in applications like battery-operated systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated fluid flow valve arrangement using a magnetic field generator with a valve member and a ferromagnetic member, allowing the valve to latch in both open and closed conditions without power, enabling movement between these states using a reversible magnetic field, thus eliminating the need for continuous power and accommodating varying fluid pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solenoid valves use continuous electrical activation to maintain valve position, then the valve position is reliably maintained, but energy consumption increases making it unsuitable for low energy applications
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses periodic electrical activation through a solenoid coil that is energized only momentarily to switch between positions, rather than continuous activation. The valve latches in its last position using magnetic attraction between a permanent magnet in the valve member and a ferromagnetic member, consuming no energy during position maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member contains a permanent magnet that creates a magnetic field to attract the ferromagnetic member, automatically maintaining the valve in its last position without requiring external power. The system serves itself by using the permanent magnet's inherent magnetic properties to hold position.
2Reliability
If conventional solenoid valves are designed for predetermined fluid flow direction, then the valve operates reliably in that direction, but it cannot tolerate reverse fluid flow or negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with a valve member that can move freely to either open or closed position regardless of fluid flow direction or pressure polarity. The magnetic actuation system and valve member geometry allow the valve to function equally well with reverse flow or negative pressure, making it universally applicable to various fluid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed with a permanent magnet that can be attracted to the ferromagnetic member from either direction of fluid flow. The sealing surfaces and valve geometry are arranged to function effectively whether fluid pressure is positive or negative, allowing the valve to operate in reverse conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the valve member includes mechanical connections to the valve body, then the valve structure is stable, but maintenance and repair become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to be removable from the valve body without requiring disassembly of mechanical connections. The valve member can be extracted through the inlet or outlet ports, allowing easy replacement and maintenance while the valve body remains intact and stable during operation.
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 allows for energy-efficient operation, reversibility of fluid flow, and independence from fluid pressure, making it suitable for low-energy applications such as battery-powered systems without mechanical connections, enhancing usability and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the valve member includes a permanent magnet; the ferromagnetic member defines a passage which communicates with the valve chamber via one of the ports; in use, in a first latched condition, the valve member is retained by magnetic attraction to the first switchable pole
Implementation Method 2
an electrically powered magnetic field generator; the change of polarity of the switchable pole causes the valve member to move between the closed and open conditions
Implementation Method 3
the generator is movable between an unpowered condition in which no magnetic field is generated, a first operating condition in which the generator generates a magnetic field in a first direction and a second operating condition in which the generator generates a magnetic field in a second, opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated fluid flow valve arrangement (50) includes an electrically powered magnetic field generator (42), a valve body (44) defining a valve chamber (7), an inlet port (5), an outlet port (20) and a valve member (18) located in the chamber (7). The valve member (18) is movable between closed and open conditions relative to one of the ports (5, 20). The valve member (18) includes a permanent magnet (9). The arrangement (50) includes a switchable pole 46 formed of a ferromagnetic material. In use, in a first latched condition, the valve member (18) is retained by the switchable pole (46) in one of the closed or open conditions and, in a second latched condition, in the other of the closed or open conditions, the valve member (18) being moved from one latched condition to the other by operation of the generator (42).