Microvalve Sealing Mechanism Prevents Particle Jamming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microvalves are prone to interference from particulate contaminants in the fluid, which can jam and hinder the free movement of the displaceable member, leading to undesirable leakage and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The improved microvalve design features a displaceable member with notches on its side walls and a convoluted spring connection, along with larger recessed regions and sealing structures that minimize the likelihood of particle jamming by providing sufficient space and stop surfaces to prevent particle interference during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the space between the displaceable member and adjacent portions of the microvalve is minimized to reduce leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but particulate contaminants can become jammed between the displaceable member and adjacent portions, interfering with free movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces notches in the side walls of the opening and tabs on the displaceable member that engage with these notches. This segmentation creates discrete engagement points rather than continuous contact, allowing the displaceable member to move freely along its axis while preventing lateral displacement that would cause particle jamming. The segmented structure maintains sealing at the critical interface while enabling smooth movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches and tabs act as intermediary elements between the displaceable member and the valve body. These intermediaries guide the movement of the displaceable member, ensuring it moves only in the intended axial direction without lateral deviation. This mediation prevents particulate contaminants from becoming jammed while maintaining the tight sealing required for reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If larger spaces are provided between the displaceable member and adjacent portions to prevent particle jamming, then ease of operation is improved, but the amount of undesirable leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing notches only in specific locations on the side walls where engagement with tabs is needed, rather than increasing the overall space uniformly. The sealing interface maintains its tight fit locally where required, while the notched regions provide localized guidance that prevents particle jamming. This localized approach allows the system to have both tight sealing and smooth operation without compromising either.
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 design effectively prevents particle jamming and ensures smooth operation of the microvalve by maintaining fluid flow control while minimizing leakage, even in the presence of particulate contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
A convoluted spring is formed in a second opening and connects the non-movable portion to the displaceable member. The spring biases the displaceable member to the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A microvalve includes a first plate having a surface, a recessed region provided within the surface, a fluid port provided within the recessed region, and a sealing structure extending about the fluid port. A second plate defines a non-movable portion and a movable portion formed within the first opening and having an axis. A surface of the non-movable portion abuts the surface of the first plate, the non-movable portion having first and second openings formed therethrough. The first opening has a notch formed in each of two longitudinally extending side walls thereof. The movable portion defines a displaceable member connected to the non-movable portion by a convoluted spring formed in a second opening. The displaceable member has a tab extending outwardly from each of two longitudinally extending side walls thereof, each tab positioned within one of the notches. The displaceable member is slidingly and axially movable within the first opening between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member cooperates with the sealing structure to prevent fluid communication through the fluid port, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not cooperate with at least a portion of the sealing structure to prevent fluid communication through the fluid port. The notches define stop surfaces that limit travel of the displaceable member between the closed position and the open position.