Magnetic Latch Valve Assembly Without Spring Tolerance Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve technologies, such as throttle and check valves, require close tolerances and mechanical springs for operation, leading to complex assembly processes with multiple iterations for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A latch valve design utilizing a magnetic field instead of a mechanical spring, with a ferromagnetic chamber and electromagnet to control the valve member's position, allowing for reversible magnetic fields to open and close the valve, and a magnetic latch to hold the valve in place without the need for mechanical springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical spring is used to bias the valve member to a default position, then the valve can maintain a default closed position, but close tolerances and multiple assembly adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring biasing system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The valve member is biased to a default closed position through magnetic attraction between the valve member and the magnet assembly, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and their associated close tolerances and iterative assembly adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for biasing from mechanical spring force to magnetic field strength. By controlling the magnetic field parameters (magnet strength, positioning, and polarity), the valve can be reliably biased to the default closed position without requiring close mechanical tolerances or iterative assembly adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If close tolerances are used for the spring, valve member, and valve housing, then desired valve operation is achieved, but assembly requires several iterations of adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based system that is less sensitive to dimensional tolerances. The magnetic field can be adjusted to compensate for variations in component dimensions, allowing for larger tolerances on the valve member and housing without compromising valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamically adjustable magnetic field system that can be tuned during assembly by adjusting magnet positioning or strength. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for multiple iterative adjustments of mechanical components, reducing assembly time while maintaining proper valve operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a magnetic field is used instead of a mechanical spring, then assembly is simplified and larger gaps can be used, but a new mechanism must be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical spring system with an electromagnet system that can be controlled electrically. This substitution simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for precise mechanical fit-up and allows for larger gaps between components, as the magnetic field can act across these gaps without requiring direct mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet assembly serves multiple functions: it biases the valve to the closed position, can be de-energized to allow valve opening, and can be re-energized to re-close the valve. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical components, simplifying the overall assembly despite the introduction of electrical control.
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 magnetic latch valve simplifies assembly, reduces the need for precise adjustments, and allows for easier assembly with larger gaps, providing a dynamically adjustable mechanism that maintains valve operation without mechanical springs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field that is reversible between first and second magnetic field directions
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic latch that generates a magnetic field that attracts the magnetic valve member and that holds, or 'latches,' the magnetic valve member in the first position
Implementation Method 4
The magnetic chamber 22 is formed of a ferromagnetic material that guides and controls the magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A latch valve includes a ferromagnetic shell, a ferromagnetic pole, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a ferromagnetic plunger that is disposed within the ferromagnetic shell.