Magnetic Check Valve Shutter for Low-Energy Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors face issues with energy consumption, turbulence, and compatibility due to spring-loaded elements and ferromagnetic materials, which lead to erosion, corrosion, and the formation of foams and emulsions.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design utilizing a ferromagnetic stainless steel shutter coated with a polymeric material, actuated by a magnetic field generated externally, with twisted fins to guide and align the shutter, preventing stagnation and turbulence, and minimizing contact with aggressive fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring loaded elements are used to activate the shutter, then the valve can prevent return flow, but energy consumption increases and turbulence is created leading to foam and emulsion formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical activation system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The shutter element is made ferromagnetic and is actuated by external magnetic fields, eliminating the need for spring-loaded elements that consume energy and create turbulence. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable return flow prevention while eliminating the energy consumption and turbulence issues associated with mechanical springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the shutter element. Instead of direct mechanical contact through springs, the magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator to activate the ferromagnetic shutter, thereby preventing turbulence and foam formation while maintaining effective flow control.
2Reliability
If spring loaded elements are used to activate the shutter, then the valve can prevent return flow, but turbulence is created contributing to foam and emulsion formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical activation system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The shutter element is made ferromagnetic and is actuated by external magnetic fields, eliminating the need for spring-loaded elements that create turbulence. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable return flow prevention while eliminating the turbulence and foam formation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the shutter element. Instead of direct mechanical contact through springs, the magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator to activate the ferromagnetic shutter, thereby preventing turbulence and foam formation while maintaining effective flow control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ferromagnetic materials are used for the shutter, then energy consumption is reduced, but compatibility with certain fluids is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the shutter element, combining ferromagnetic core material with a biocompatible polymeric coating. This composite structure allows the shutter to respond to magnetic fields for low-energy actuation while the outer polymer layer ensures compatibility with foodstuffs and pharmaceutical fluids, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and fluid compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the shutter element. The inner core is made ferromagnetic for magnetic actuation, while the outer surface is coated with foodstuff-compatible polymeric material. This local differentiation of material quality allows the same component to satisfy both energy efficiency requirements and fluid compatibility requirements simultaneously.
4Use of energy by moving object
If ferromagnetic materials are used for the shutter, then energy consumption is reduced, but corrosion resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the shutter element, combining ferromagnetic core material with a biocompatible polymeric coating. This composite structure allows the shutter to respond to magnetic fields for low-energy actuation while the outer polymer layer ensures compatibility with foodstuffs and pharmaceutical fluids, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and fluid compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the shutter element. The inner core is made ferromagnetic for magnetic actuation, while the outer surface is coated with foodstuff-compatible polymeric material. This local differentiation of material quality allows the same component to satisfy both energy efficiency requirements and fluid compatibility requirements simultaneously.
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 reduces energy consumption and turbulence, enhances compatibility with sensitive fluids, and increases resistance to corrosion, ensuring a constant and laminar flow while preventing foam and emulsion formation.
Implementation Method 1
a shutter (24), housed in said outflow chamber (12), suitable for closing inlet (16) of the valve in correspondence to closure portion (28) facing said inlet (16)... a magnetic field which acts upon the shutter (24) and is not influenced by the flow of fluid crossing said outflow chamber (12)
Implementation Method 2
The solution reduces energy consumption and turbulence, enhances compatibility with sensitive fluids, and increases resistance to corrosion, ensuring a constant and laminar flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A check valve (4), in particular for foodstuff, chemical, biological and pharmaceutical applications. Valve (4) allows passage of a fluid with limited losses of load and with low energy consumption. Valve (4) is particularly suitable for use with corrosive and/or foodstuff fluids.