Magnetically Actuated Diaphragm Valve With Switchable Normal State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic valves are not easily configurable to operate in both normally open and normally closed modes, often require rare earth materials, and can have issues with sealing and material compatibility, especially in microfluidic systems intended for disposable analysis.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic valve design featuring a deformable membrane and a steel actuating element, where the actuating element's weight and magnetic force control the membrane's position, allowing easy switching between open and closed modes without the need for complex magnetic membranes or rare earth materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball-shaped magnet is used to actuate the valve, then the valve can be actuated magnetically, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates because the ball cannot ensure effective sealing if surfaces are not perfectly complementary
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic actuating element is introduced as an intermediary between the magnetic field and the membrane. This element can be a steel ball, steel membrane, or other ferromagnetic material that responds to the magnetic field and transmits the actuation force to the membrane, enabling reliable magnetic actuation without requiring the magnetic element to directly seal the aperture
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is segmented into distinct functional components: a magnetic actuating element for receiving magnetic actuation, a membrane for sealing, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the membrane for sealing and the actuating element for magnetic response - resolving the contradiction between magnetic actuation and sealing effectiveness
2Force
If rare earth magnets are used for magnetic actuation, then strong magnetic force is achieved, but material pollution increases due to the use of rare earth materials like Neodymium and Samarium
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design is suitable for disposable microfluidic systems where the entire device including the magnetic actuating element is discarded after use. This eliminates the need for expensive rare earth magnets, as simple steel or ferromagnetic materials suffice for single-use applications, reducing material pollution while maintaining adequate magnetic force for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuating element can be made from various ferromagnetic materials with different magnetic properties. By selecting appropriate materials and adjusting the magnetic field strength parameters, sufficient actuation force can be achieved without requiring rare earth magnets, thus reducing material pollution while maintaining functional performance
3Ease of operation
If a flexible membrane with embedded metal ball is used, then magnetic actuation is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for specific membrane production
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuating element is separated from the membrane, allowing the membrane to be a simple elastomeric material without embedded magnetic particles or complex structures. The magnetic actuation function is provided by a separate steel ball or ferromagnetic element that can be easily positioned and removed, significantly simplifying membrane production while maintaining magnetic actuation capability
4Reliability
If the valve is designed for a specific mode (normally open or normally closed), then the structure can be optimized, but the adaptability deteriorates because the valve cannot be easily reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design allows dynamic reconfiguration between normally open and normally closed modes by simply changing the position or presence of the magnetic actuating element. The membrane and support structure remain the same, but the valve's normal state can be changed by adjusting whether the magnetic element rests on the membrane or is positioned away from it, providing high adaptability without compromising structural optimization
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 design provides a simple and adaptable solution for fluidic valves that can operate in either mode, ensuring effective sealing and reducing material pollution, while being easy to manufacture and configure.
Implementation Method 1
An actuating element capable of moving independently of the membrane and formed of a steel part sensitive to the magnetic effect
Implementation Method 2
said membrane being configured to move from its deformed position to its rest position under the effect of an elastic restoring force
Implementation Method 3
configured to exert on the membrane a gravity force greater than the elastic restoring force of the membrane, to place the membrane in the deformed position and maintain it in this position under the sole gravity force
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a normally closed or normally open fluidic valve (V1) comprising, in particular, a diaphragm (2) elastically deformable between at least two positions: a rest position in which it opens a fluidic circuit to allow a fluid to pass through, and a deformed position in which it closes said fluidic circuit to block the passage of the fluid. The valve is characterized by an actuating element arranged to bear against said diaphragm (2) and configured to exert a gravitational force (Pb) on the diaphragm, and magnetic actuating means configured to exert a magnetic force (Fmag) on said actuating element, in order to control the displacement of the diaphragm.