Magnetically Controlled Pressure Relief Valve with Isolated Magnets

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetically controlled relief valves face performance degradation due to magnetic solids or contaminants adhering to exposed magnets, requiring stringent fluid and contaminant restrictions and frequent maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A relief valve design where magnets are isolated from fluid flow, using a configuration with a first and second magnet generating opposing magnetic fields to bias a closure member with a set force that is a linear, exponential, or combined function of their distance, ensuring reliable operation without exposure to fluids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnets are exposed to fluid flow in relief valves, then magnetic actuation can be achieved, but magnetic solids or contaminants adhere to the magnets causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic actuationVSAvoidvalve performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber containing the closure member and valve seat where fluid flows, and a second chamber containing the magnets isolated from fluid flow. The chamber wall with an aperture connects the two chambers, allowing magnetic field interaction while preventing contaminant contact with magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A chamber wall acts as an intermediary barrier between the fluid-containing first chamber and the magnet-containing second chamber. The aperture in the chamber wall allows magnetic field lines to pass through and actuate the closure member without allowing fluid or contaminants to contact the magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If magnets are exposed to fluid flow, then actuation can occur, but stringent limits on fluid types and contaminants are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidfluid compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber containing the closure member and valve seat where fluid flows, and a second chamber containing the magnets isolated from fluid flow. The chamber wall with an aperture connects the two chambers, allowing magnetic field interaction while preventing contaminant contact with magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A chamber wall acts as an intermediary barrier between the fluid-containing first chamber and the magnet-containing second chamber. The aperture in the chamber wall allows magnetic field lines to pass through and actuate the closure member without allowing fluid or contaminants to contact the magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If magnets are exposed to fluid flow, then actuation is possible, but frequent preventive maintenance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation functionVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber containing the closure member and valve seat where fluid flows, and a second chamber containing the magnets isolated from fluid flow. The chamber wall with an aperture connects the two chambers, allowing magnetic field interaction while preventing contaminant contact with magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A chamber wall acts as an intermediary barrier between the fluid-containing first chamber and the magnet-containing second chamber. The aperture in the chamber wall allows magnetic field lines to pass through and actuate the closure member without allowing fluid or contaminants to contact the magnets.

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 prevents magnetic contamination, maintains performance across various fluid conditions, and reduces maintenance needs by isolating magnets from fluid exposure, ensuring reliable pressure relief without adhering contaminants.

Implementation Method 1

The first magnet is configured to generate a first magnetic field of a first polarity. A second magnet is positioned within the second chamber and spaced apart from the first magnet. The second magnet is configured to generate a second magnetic field of a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity of the first magnetic field. The first magnetic field and the second magnet field interact to bias the closure member to rest on the inlet valve seat with a set force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10591082B2Magnetically controlled pressure relief valve

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 MARCO STEPHEN

AI summary

A relief valve includes a first chamber with an inlet that includes an inlet valve seat and an outlet. A second chamber is spaced apart from the first chamber. A chamber wall is positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber. A closure member is movably positioned within the first chamber and is configured to be closable on the inlet valve seat. A first magnet is coupled to the closure member. The first magnet is movably positioned within the second chamber and is configured to generate a first magnetic field of a first polarity. A second magnet is positioned within the second chamber and is configured to generate a second magnetic field of a second polarity. The first magnetic field and the second magnet field interact to bias the closure member to rest on the inlet valve seat with a set force.