Membrane-Lined Control Block for Freeze-Expansion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control blocks used in fluid systems are prone to damage due to freezing and thawing cycles, which can cause expansion of the working fluid, leading to structural issues.
Innovation Solution
The control block features at least two pressure chambers lined with membranes supported by elastic supports that limit shape changes under operational pressures, and includes a series connection of valves for enhanced sealing and monitoring, along with a pressure sensor for electronic control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pressure chambers are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the control block can withstand operational pressures, but the control block is damaged when working fluid freezes and expands
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure chambers are lined with flexible membranes that can expand when the working fluid freezes and increases in volume. These membranes are supported by elastic supports that allow controlled deformation, preventing rigid structure damage while containing the pressure changes during freezing and thawing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic supports change their mechanical properties by allowing controlled deformation under freezing conditions. The membranes and supports are designed to accommodate volume changes during phase transitions, transforming the rigid structure into a system that can dynamically adapt to parameter changes during freezing and thawing
2Adaptability or versatility
If membranes are allowed to deform freely under pressure, then the control block can accommodate pressure changes, but the membranes may undergo plastic deformation and fail
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible membranes line the pressure chambers and work in conjunction with elastic supports. The supports are specifically designed to limit the membranes' shape changes to elastic deformations only, preventing plastic deformation and failure while still allowing necessary pressure accommodation
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic supports act as intermediaries between the rigid control block structure and the flexible membranes. These supports transfer and distribute pressures evenly, preventing concentrated loads that could cause membrane failure, while maintaining the membranes' ability to accommodate pressure changes
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
This design prevents damage from freezing and thawing cycles by allowing elastic deformation of membranes and provides improved sealing and monitoring capabilities, ensuring the control block's functionality and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the support comprises a foam body containing a plurality of cavities that are elastically compressible
Implementation Method 2
the foam body containing a plurality of cavities that are elastically compressible
Implementation Method 3
the changes in shape of the membrane are limited to elastic changes in shape under operational pressures in the pressure chambers
Implementation Method 4
a pressure sensor which converts a pressure of the fluid in the second pressure chamber into an electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention is based on a control block having at least one receptacle for at least one valve, an inlet, and an outlet, wherein the at least one valve has two ports that are fluidically connected to different pressure chambers and fluidically connect different pressure chambers depending on the actuation of the at least one valve. According to the invention, the at least two pressure chambers (5, 5') are each lined internally on one side with a diaphragm (9), which is at least partially supported by a support (10), wherein the support (10) is mounted in the control block (1), and wherein the support (10), by means of its shape and/or its limited elasticity, restricts the deformations of the diaphragm (9) to elastic deformations under operating pressures occurring in the at least two pressure chambers (5, 5').