Magnetic Flow Control Valve for Leak-Free Pressure Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional flow control devices face issues with external leak paths and fugitive emissions due to structures extending through the housing, which is particularly problematic in hazardous processes and can cause packing friction problems.

Innovation Solution

A flow control device design where a magnetized shaft and vanes are positioned entirely within the housing, with external wire coils linearly moveable to control pressure through magnetic induction, eliminating the need for external structures and thus preventing leaks and emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a shaft or valve stem extends through the housing wall to control internal elements, then the device can be operated and controlled, but external leak paths are created and fugitive emissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidfugitive emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shaft/stem extension through the housing with a magnetic field-based control system. Wire coils positioned externally generate magnetic fields that interact with a magnetized shaft entirely contained within the housing, eliminating the need for mechanical penetrations and thus preventing fugitive emissions while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the external control mechanism (wire coils) and the internal controlled element (magnetized shaft and valve plug). This magnetic intermediary allows force transmission and control without requiring direct mechanical connection through the housing wall, thereby eliminating leak paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If packing is used to seal the area between the extending structure and housing opening, then leakage is reduced, but packing friction increases actuator sizing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidactuator force requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical packing system entirely by using magnetic field interaction for control. Since the magnetized shaft and valve stem remain entirely within the housing and are actuated by external wire coils through magnetic fields, no packing is required, thus eliminating both leakage concerns and packing friction that would increase actuator force requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a structure extends through the housing wall, then the device can be actuated from outside, but external leak paths are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal actuation capabilityVSAvoidleak paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical extension through the housing with magnetic field interaction. Wire coils positioned externally generate magnetic fields that penetrate the housing wall non-contactly to actuate the magnetized shaft and valve plug internally, maintaining external actuation capability while eliminating physical leak paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to transmit control forces from external wire coils to internal components without requiring physical penetration of the housing wall. This allows external actuation while maintaining the integrity and seal of the housing enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a sealed device with no external leak paths, reducing fugitive emissions and packing friction issues, while allowing precise control of pressure through the movement of wire coils.

Implementation Method 1

external wire coils linearly moveable to control pressure through magnetic induction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12265404B2Flow control device and method of pressure control in a fluid flow

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 FISHER CONTROLS INT LLC

AI summary

A flow control device includes a housing forming an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and a fluid passageway between the inlet passage and the outlet passage. A magnetized shaft is positioned entirely within the housing between the inlet passage and the outlet passage and a plurality of vanes are secured to the magnetized shaft and positioned in the fluid passageway. A first wire coil is moveably positioned around a first end of the magnetized shaft, external of the housing, and is linearly moveable in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the magnetized shaft.