Microvalve Clean Cycle Prevents Particle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microvalves and spool valves in fluid circuits often become clogged with contaminant particles, leading to partial or complete functional failure, as the small clearance areas are prone to accumulation and trapping of micro contaminant particles, which affects the flow control and efficiency of the refrigeration system.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a clean cycle method where the valve flow control element is moved between positions at a designated rate and interval, preventing clogging by breaking free trapped particles without significantly affecting the fluid system's operation, and using this method in both microvalves and hybrid spool valves to maintain optimal flow and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the valve clearance area is made small for precise flow control, then the flow control precision is improved, but the valve becomes prone to clogging by contaminant particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic cleaning cycles where the valve element is moved between fully open and fully closed positions at predetermined intervals. This periodic mechanical action dislodges contaminant particles that have accumulated in the small clearance areas, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining the small clearance design for precise flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic cleaning movements of the valve element between static flow control positions. During cleaning cycles, the valve element dynamically transitions between extreme positions (fully open to fully closed) to generate sufficient velocity and pressure changes that dislodge particles from the clearance areas, without permanently altering the valve's static flow control characteristics.
2Reliability
If the valve element moves frequently to prevent clogging, then the reliability is improved, but the fluid system operation is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning cycles are executed periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This allows the valve to maintain its normal flow control function during most operation time, while periodically interrupting to perform cleaning movements. The periodic nature minimizes impact on fluid system productivity while ensuring reliable contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element performs excessive movements during cleaning cycles (moving beyond normal flow control range to extreme open and closed positions) to effectively dislodge particles. These excessive cleaning movements are performed partially in time (intermittently rather than continuously), balancing the need for effective particle removal with minimal disruption to normal fluid system operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning contaminants, including particulate contaminants, from a valve in a fluid system includes moving a valve flow control element of the valve from a first position to a second position in response to a change in a condition in the fluid system other than a change in superheat.