Magnetic Valve Actuator with Bistable Locking to Limit Coil Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic valve actuators are incompatible with aseptic environments due to hygiene and security standards, and electrical actuators tend to overheat under temperature constraints.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator using a coil and ferromagnetic rings with magnets, powered only for short durations to minimize heating, and elastically deformable elements to lock the plug in positions, allowing for efficient and aseptic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical valve actuators are used, then the actuator can be used in aseptic environments, but the actuator heats up quickly in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed actuation of the coil rather than continuous operation. The coil is energized only during brief intervals when position switching is required, then de-energized during idle periods. This periodic action pattern significantly reduces cumulative heat generation while maintaining full functional capability for valve position control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic bistable mechanism where the ferromagnetic rings and magnets create stable equilibrium positions. Once the coil energizes the core to switch positions, the mechanical structure maintains the position without continuous electrical power, dynamically transitioning between stable states only when needed. This reduces thermal load compared to static continuous actuation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coil is powered continuously, then the plug remains in position, but the actuator overheats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-latching mechanism where the ferromagnetic rings and magnets provide inherent mechanical stability once positioned. The core structure itself maintains the plug position through magnetic attraction and mechanical constraints without requiring continuous external energy input. The system serves itself by using its own structural properties to maintain position, eliminating the need for continuous coil power and the associated heat generation.
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 overheating and allows for efficient operation in aseptic environments with minimal energy consumption, suitable for use in machines like container transport systems.
Implementation Method 1
powering the coil causes one of the magnets carried by the core to be attracted and the other magnet to be repelled depending on the direction in which the coil is powered
Implementation Method 2
a coil lying between two rings of ferromagnetic material, all three of which are secured to a frame of the actuator so as to surround the core
Implementation Method 3
the elastically deformable elements are arranged in such a manner that each pair of rings of the core is offset from the pair of rings of the frame when the core is locked
Data Source
AI summary
A valve actuator includes moving equipment arranged to cause a plug of said equipment to slide along a given axis between two end positions. The moving equipment includes a core constrained to move in translation with the plug along the given axis. The actuator also includes a coil lying between two rings of ferromagnetic material, all three of which are secured to a frame of the actuator so as to surround the core, which itself carries two magnets mounted in opposition on the core level with the coil, a ring of ferromagnetic material lying between the two magnets that also lie between two other rings of ferromagnetic material. A valve and a machine may be fitted with such an actuator.