Magnetic Float Valve for Fast Fluid Level Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves for fluid flow control often transition slowly between open and closed states, allowing varying amounts of fluid through during the transition period, which can be inefficient and difficult to manage manually.
Innovation Solution
A valve system that includes an actuator controlled by a magnetic interaction between a first and second magnetic material, a float, and a reservoir, which opens and closes the valve based on fluid levels to ensure precise control of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional valve is used for fluid flow control, then the valve can regulate fluid flow, but the valve transitions slowly between open and closed states, allowing varying amounts of fluid through during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical float-valve linkage system with a magnetic actuation system. Magnets positioned on the float interact with a magnetically actuated valve mechanism, enabling faster and more precise valve transitions. This substitution of mechanical direct coupling with magnetic field interaction resolves the contradiction by achieving rapid valve response (improving speed) while minimizing the transition period during which fluid waste occurs (reducing substance loss).
2Ease of operation
If manual control of the valve is used, then the valve can be operated, but it is difficult to manage and provides inconsistent fluid flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the float automatically responds to fluid level changes and triggers the magnetic actuation mechanism. The system self-adjusts the valve position based on real-time fluid levels without requiring manual intervention. This automation improves ease of operation (no manual control needed) while ensuring consistent and reliable fluid flow control through the precise magnetic actuation mechanism that eliminates human error and inconsistency.
3Extent of automation
If a float mechanism is added to control the valve, then automated fluid level control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field interaction to replace complex mechanical linkages between the float and valve. The magnets on the float interact with a magnetically actuated valve mechanism, eliminating the need for rods, pivots, and other mechanical transmission components. This approach achieves automated fluid level control (increasing extent of automation) while keeping the device relatively simple (managing device complexity) by using invisible magnetic fields instead of visible mechanical connections.
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 system provides efficient and precise control of fluid flow by ensuring that the valve transitions quickly and consistently between open and closed states, reducing waste and improving management of fluid resources.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is actuated to open the valve at a first position and close the valve at a second position based on a magnetic interaction between the first and second magnetic material
Implementation Method 2
a float positioned within the container. The float includes a second magnetic material positioned proximate to a top of the float and a reservoir configured to receive fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a valve. An apparatus includes a valve that includes an actuator. The apparatus includes a container coupled to the valve and shaped to receive a fluid. The container includes an inlet, an outlet, and a first magnetic material. The apparatus includes a float positioned within the container. The float includes a second magnetic material and a reservoir. The actuator is actuated to open the valve at a first position and close the valve at a second position based on a magnetic interaction between the first and second magnetic material, a fluid level within the container, and a fluid level within the reservoir.