Off-Board Magnetic Valve Actuation for Wire-Free Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic valves require on-board solenoid coils and electrical power sources for actuation, limiting their functionality and complexity, especially in applications requiring off-board activation or synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic magnetic valve that uses an off-board source of a changing magnetic field for actuation, eliminating the need for on-board control circuits and electrical power sources. The valve features a magnetic actuator that moves in response to an external magnetic field, with a restoring force mechanism to return the actuator to its initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an on-board solenoid coil is used for actuation, then the valve can be reliably controlled, but the device complexity and electrical power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solenoid coil from the valve body, moving it to an external location. The valve is actuated by a magnetic field generated externally rather than by an on-board solenoid. This eliminates the need for electrical connections to the valve while maintaining reliable magnetic actuation of the valve plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external control system and the valve plug. Instead of direct electrical connection, the magnetic field serves as the medium to transmit actuation force to the valve, enabling wireless control while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If an on-board solenoid coil is used for actuation, then the valve can be precisely controlled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the solenoid coil from the valve assembly, the patent simplifies the valve manufacturing process. The valve body only needs to accommodate a magnetic plug and spring mechanism, eliminating the need for coil winding, electrical terminal connections, and associated sealing requirements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If an on-board solenoid coil is used for actuation, then the valve can be activated on-demand, but the ease of operation decreases due to electrical connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical actuation system from the valve, replacing it with a magnetic field-based actuation mechanism. This eliminates the need for electrical connections, making the valve easier to install and operate in locations where electrical wiring is difficult or impossible, such as in hazardous areas or moving components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization with external events is required, then the valve functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the valve universally compatible with any external magnetic field source. The same valve design can be synchronized with different external events (rotating machinery, reciprocating pumps, cyclic processes) simply by exposing it to the appropriate magnetic field variations, without requiring valve-specific control electronics for each application.
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 enables tamper-resistant, simplified, and cost-effective flow control in various applications, including those where on-board activation is not feasible, while maintaining precise and repeatable synchronization with external events.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic actuator 27 moveable in a valve body 21 along a range of motion that includes a flow-blocking position... actuated by a magnetic field from an off-board source of magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
A restoring force in or at the valve body that urges or holds the magnetic actuator to or at an initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system of controlling flow of a flowable material including interposing an automatic magnetic valve comprising a magnetic actuator moveable in a valve body relative to a flow path for the flowable material without any on-board magnetic field source for actuating movement of the magnetic actuator in the valve body, or control circuit or electrical power source; selecting operating state of the valve to normally-open or normally-closed by configuration of the restoring force component relative to the magnetic actuator; positioning the valve relative to an off-board magnetic field to effectively take advantage of a direction and magnitude of the off-board magnetic field; and operatively connecting and controlling a flow of the flowable material through the valve with the off-board magnetic field influence on the on-board magnetic actuator.