Magnetic Ball Valve Actuation Without Chamber Wall Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbonated dispensing head valves suffer from leakage and sealing issues due to the arm penetrating the chamber wall, require precise machining for sliding surfaces, and have non-self-cleaning pistons, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A ball functionality valve that uses a magnetic or electro-magnetic mechanism to control a spherical object, allowing it to roll over the orifice opening for fluid flow without penetrating the chamber wall, utilizing pressure equalization for sealing and self-cleaning properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a paddle valve with an arm penetrating the chamber wall is used, then the valve can activate the open and close function, but leakage and sealing issues occur at the penetration point
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the penetrating arm from the valve structure. Instead of having an arm penetrate the chamber wall to activate the valve, the patent uses a magnetic field generated by a solenoid to actuate a magnetic piston inside the chamber, completely removing the source of leakage at the penetration point
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical arm penetration system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The solenoid generates a magnetic field that acts on the magnetic piston through the chamber wall without physical penetration, substituting mechanical contact with magnetic interaction to eliminate sealing issues
2Manufacturing precision
If wet pistons are used in the solenoid, then the closing function can be maintained, but precise machining is required for sliding surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-lubrication through the fluid being dispensed. The wet piston design allows the fluid itself to serve as lubricant for the sliding surfaces, eliminating the need for external lubrication systems and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness
3Reliability
If a fixed piston is used, then the valve can maintain closing function, but the piston is not self-cleaning and accumulates debris
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a fixed piston to a movable magnetic piston that is actuated by the solenoid. This dynamic design allows the piston to move freely within the chamber, enabling it to self-clean by disrupting debris accumulation and maintaining reliable closing function without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic piston serves multiple functions: it maintains the closing function by sealing against the orifice, enables self-cleaning through its movement that disrupts debris accumulation, and responds to magnetic actuation for precise control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms
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 ball functionality valve significantly reduces leakage, eliminates the need for precise machining, and provides self-cleaning capabilities, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fluid dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetically controlled valve uses a magnetic or electro-magnetic mechanism to control a spherical object
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to conduits, devices, systems and methods, which may include a hollow element including an inner surface and an outer surface which allows for a passage of one or more of one or more fluid elements and one or more gaseous elements, a constraining element with one or more openings and one or more non-open elements, one or more blocking elements configured to stop the passage of the at least one of the one or more fluid elements and the one or more gaseous elements when the one or more blocking elements are in a first position relative to the one or more openings, and a movement device configured to move the one or more blocking elements to a second position relative to the one or more openings which allows for the passage of the one or more fluid elements and the one gaseous elements through the one or more openings in the constraining element.