Magnetic Latch Valve Without Springs or Tight Tolerances
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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 adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A latch valve design utilizing a ferromagnetic shell, permanent magnet, electromagnet, and ferromagnetic plunger, which employs a magnetic circuit to control valve movement without mechanical springs, allowing for reversible magnetic fields to switch between valve positions and simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for precise gap tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical springs and close tolerances are used in traditional valve designs, then reliable fluid control is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and multiple adjustment iterations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The electromagnet generates magnetic fields to move the ferromagnetic plunger, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and their associated close tolerances. This substitution reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable fluid control through magnetic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical force (springs) to magnetic field strength. By controlling the electromagnet's current, the valve position can be precisely controlled without requiring tight mechanical tolerances. The magnetic field parameters (strength, direction) can be adjusted electrically, simplifying assembly and eliminating iterative mechanical adjustments.
2Reliability
If close tolerances are required for spring, valve member, and valve housing, then desired valve operation is obtained, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuation system replaces mechanical spring-based actuation, eliminating the need for close tolerances between the spring, valve member, and housing. The magnetic field can act through larger gaps and is less sensitive to dimensional variations, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic plunger acts as an intermediary that responds to magnetic fields from the electromagnet. This intermediary mechanism allows the valve to be actuated magnetically rather than mechanically, reducing the tolerance sensitivity between moving and stationary components. The plunger bridges the gap between the electromagnet and the valve seat, enabling operation with relaxed tolerances.
3Reliability
If multiple assembly adjustments are needed, then valve operation is calibrated, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve calibration is achieved by adjusting electrical parameters (current to the electromagnet) rather than mechanical parameters. This allows for easy recalibration without disassembly or iterative mechanical adjustments, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining proper valve operation calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing the mechanical spring adjustment system with an electromagnetic system eliminates the need for iterative mechanical adjustments. The electromagnet's magnetic field strength can be precisely controlled through current adjustment, allowing for quick calibration during assembly without time-consuming mechanical tweaks.
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 achieves reliable fluid control with reduced assembly complexity and eliminates the need for mechanical spring adjustments, enabling easier and more precise operation with fewer assembly iterations.
Implementation Method 1
the default position may be established using a permanent magnet rather than a mechanical spring
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic plunger disposed within the shell
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnet configured to generate a magnetic field that is reversible between first and second magnetic field directions
Implementation Method 4
The first magnetic field direction is operable to move the magnetic valve member from the first valve position to the second valve position
Data Source
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.