Miniaturized Double Latching Solenoid Valve for Space GCMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas chromatograph mass spectrometers (GCMS) require large, heavy, complex, and expensive valves for gas sampling systems, which are not suitable for miniaturized applications such as planetary and cometary atmosphere measurements, particularly for missions like the Mars mission where the mass and size of the valves pose significant challenges.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized double-latching GCMS valve design that is lighter, smaller, less complex, and cheaper, featuring a welded construction, a floating tip for misalignment tolerance, and a solenoid assembly with a permanent magnet for latching, allowing for hermetic sealing and reduced power consumption, with adjustable spring force and removable coils for redundancy and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Cassini/Huygens type valves are used for the Mars mission, then reliable gas sampling is achieved, but the mass of the valves alone will approach 1.25 kg
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into modular components including a solenoid assembly, armature housing, pintle assembly, and manifold sections that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimization of each component's mass while maintaining overall system reliability through modular redundancy and standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes material parameters and geometric parameters to reduce mass. Specifically, it uses lightweight alloys instead of traditional heavy valve materials, optimizes wall thicknesses, and redesigns the internal flow paths to use less material while maintaining structural integrity and sealing performance required for reliable gas sampling.
2Productivity
If Cassini/Huygens type valves are used, then gas sampling function is achieved, but the size of the valves becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The pintle assembly is nested within the armature housing, which is nested within the solenoid assembly. The bellows structure provides nested protection for the pintle while enabling compact packaging. This nesting arrangement achieves the required gas sampling function in a minimized envelope size.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design transitions from traditional lateral flow paths to a more three-dimensional integrated flow structure where gas sampling occurs through vertically stacked components. The manifold integrates multiple flow paths in the vertical dimension, reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining full gas sampling capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional valve construction with bolting is used, then assembly is straightforward, but mass and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body and manifold are merged into a single integrated component manufactured by precision casting or additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate bolting connections. The solenoid assembly is merged with the armature housing through direct attachment, reducing the number of fasteners and connection points while maintaining assembly simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If fixed tip design is used, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but misalignment between valve and valve seat causes leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is designed to float dynamically within the collar rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic positioning allows the tip to self-align with the valve seat during operation, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining hermetic sealing. The floating mechanism provides real-time adaptation to alignment variations.
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 new valve design achieves lower mass, reduced complexity, and lower costs while maintaining reliability and sealing efficiency, with improved manufacturing tolerances and reduced assembly time, enabling efficient operation across a wide temperature range and high cycle life.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid assembly may be removably disposed around the armature housing, the solenoid assembly including upper and lower coils
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnet disposed between the upper and lower coils
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a generally elongate pintle; a spacer having a rounded surface that bears against the pintle; a bulbous tip fixed to the spacer; and a hollow, generally cylindrical collar fixed to the pintle, the collar enclosing the spacer and the tip and including an opening through which a portion of the tip extends, the opening in the collar and interior of the collar being of a size such that the tip floats therein.