Low-Profile Valve Mechanism for Remote Pipeline Shut-Off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water flow shut-off mechanisms in pipeline and immersion cooling systems are either manually operated, lacking remote control capability, or use large and vulnerable solenoid valves.

Innovation Solution

A valve design incorporating a frame, tube, moving part, lever, elastic part, buckle, and trigger mechanism that allows for remote operation by amplifying force through leverage principles, enabling secure and automated shut-off and reconnection of water flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a solenoid valve is used to enable remote operation, then remote control capability is improved, but the valve becomes large and vulnerable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidvulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional solenoid valve mechanism with a mechanical lever-based valve actuation system. The lever (20) rotates around an axis (21) to move the tube (200) and control water flow, eliminating the need for large solenoid coils while achieving remote operation through a trigger (50) that releases the buckle (40) to allow lever rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a linear actuation mechanism to a rotational mechanism. The lever (20) rotates around an axis (21) perpendicular to the direction of tube movement, converting rotational motion into linear displacement of the tube (200). This dimensional change allows for more compact design while maintaining remote operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a manual valve is used, then the structure is simple, but remote operation is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidremote control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a trigger mechanism (50) as an intermediary that enables remote operation without requiring complex actuation systems. The trigger (50) pushes the buckle (40) away from the lever (20) to release it, allowing the lever to rotate and control the valve. This simple intermediary component bridges the gap between manual simplicity and remote operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If a solenoid valve is used to enable automated control, then automation is improved, but the valve size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated controlVSAvoidvalve size
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromechanical solenoid system with a purely mechanical actuation system using a lever (20) rotating around an axis (21). The lever connects to the tube (200) and moves it to control water flow, eliminating the need for large solenoid coils while enabling automated control through the trigger release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic lever mechanism where the lever (20) rotates around a fixed axis (21) to dynamically control the position of the tube (200). This rotational movement allows the valve to transition between open and closed states, providing automated control functionality with a compact mechanical structure instead of a large stationary solenoid valve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables remote and secure operation of water flow shut-off in pipeline and immersion cooling systems, reducing the size and vulnerability of solenoid valves while ensuring reliable and automated control of water flow.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic part 30 is located on the frame 100a and is connected to the lever 20. The elastic part 30 pushes the lever 20 to rotate around the axis 21.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The trigger 50 is located on the lever 20. The trigger 50 pushes the buckle 40 away from the lever 20 to release the lever 20.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS11828379B2Low-profile valve, pipeline and immersion cooling system
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD
  • US11828379B2 patent drawing
  • US11828379B2 patent drawing
  • US11828379B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A low-profile and small-size valve to a shut off a flow of fluid in a pipeline includes a frame, a tube, a moving part, a lever, an elastic part, a latch, and a trigger. The tube is movable with the moving part. The lever is rotatable around an axis. The elastic part can push the lever to rotate after the trigger pushes the buckle away from the lever to unlatch the lever and allow rotation. During the rotation of the lever, the lever pulls on the moving part, and the moving part pulls on the tube together to disconnect the tube from the pipe. The valve improves the convenience and efficiency of shutting off a flow of fluid. A pipeline and an immersion cooling system is also disclosed.