Magnetic Shuttle Bistable Valve for Low-Energy Position Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating pre-made bistable valves into systems is complex and expensive due to the need for constant energy sources to maintain valve positions.
Innovation Solution
A bistable valve design featuring an interior cavity with magnetic shuttle actuated by electromagnetic coils, allowing the valve to switch between sealed positions with minimal energy input by utilizing attractive and repellant magnetic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pre-made bistable valves are integrated into a system, then valve stability in multiple positions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into modular components: a body portion with fluid passages, a separate magnetic shuttle assembly with sealing elements, and electromagnetic coil assemblies. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and optimization of each component while simplifying integration into systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shuttle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sealing element against the valve seat, a magnetic actuator responsive to electromagnetic coils, and a positioning mechanism for controlling fluid flow between multiple ports. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pre-made bistable valves are integrated into a system, then valve stability in multiple positions is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve into manufacturable modules (body, shuttle, coils), each component can be produced using optimized processes for its specific requirements, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter optimization in each component - such as magnetic material properties in the shuttle, coil winding parameters, and sealing surface geometries - enabling cost-effective mass production while maintaining bistable performance.
3Ease of operation
If constant energy source is used to maintain valve positions, then valve position control is simplified, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using continuous energy to maintain position, the valve uses continuous magnetic attraction to hold the shuttle in position, with energy applied only momentarily to switch between stable states. This inverts the conventional approach from active maintenance to passive holding.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is applied periodically or pulsed through the electromagnetic coils to switch the valve between states, rather than maintaining continuous energy input. The magnetic shuttle remains in each position without energy consumption until a switching pulse is applied.
4Reliability
If magnetic shuttle with membrane portions is used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shuttle incorporates flexible membrane portions that can deform to conform to the valve seat geometry, providing effective sealing. This flexibility compensates for minor manufacturing variations and reduces the precision requirements for rigid seal alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane portions are designed with asymmetric geometries optimized for their specific sealing locations, allowing each membrane to adapt to its local sealing requirements and reducing overall manufacturing precision demands.
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 bistable valve remains stable in multiple states, requiring energy only to switch between them, simplifying integration and reducing costs by minimizing continuous energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
when the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the first electromagnetic coil supplies a magnetic charge to the first post
Implementation Method 2
actuates the magnetic shuttle to move towards the first end of the interior cavity towards the first post
Data Source
AI summary
A bistable valve. The valve includes an interior cavity; a first pressure source; a second pressure source; a first post connected to the interior cavity at a first end of the interior cavity; a second post connected to the interior cavity at a second end of the interior cavity; a magnetic shuttle located within the interior cavity; a first electromagnetic coil disposed about the first post; a second electromagnetic coil disposed about the second post; wherein when the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the first electromagnetic coil supplies a magnetic charge to the first post and actuates the magnetic shuttle to move towards the first end of the interior cavity towards the first post and seal the first pressure source.