Modular Electric Motor Valve with Single Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor driven valves for gas meters face issues such as high energy requirements due to friction, high pressure losses, limited compact design, cost-intensiveness, and unsuitability for battery operation, especially in explosive-hazardous areas, due to complex sealing mechanisms and metal components.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric motor driven valve with a spherical or cylindrical valve element sealed by a single sealing element, featuring a gear mechanism with a coupling piece and snap-on or bayonet connections, allowing for adjustable flow resistance and compact design, reducing energy needs and costs, and enabling battery operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two sealing elements (O-rings) are used to seal the valve ball, then sealing reliability is improved, but friction increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one of the two O-ring sealing elements from the valve ball assembly, retaining only a single sealing element. This extraction reduces the number of friction interfaces while maintaining adequate sealing through the remaining seal combined with the magnetic coupling's inherent sealing capability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical two-O-ring sealing system with a simplified sealing approach that relies on the magnetic coupling's contact seal during operation. The magnetic force between the drive unit and valve ball creates sufficient contact pressure for sealing without requiring multiple compressed O-rings
2Reliability
If two sealing elements (O-rings) are used to seal the valve ball, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes one of the two O-ring sealing elements, simplifying the sealing mechanism from a dual-seal system to a single-seal system. This reduces the number of components, assembly steps, and potential failure points in the sealing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing function with the magnetic coupling mechanism itself. The magnetic coupling serves dual purposes: transmitting rotational force and providing sealing through contact between the drive unit and valve ball, eliminating the need for separate complex sealing systems
3Use of energy by moving object
If a linearly movable piston is used to open and close the valve, then energy consumption is reduced, but the valve size increases due to piston stroke requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical valve ball that rotates on its axis to control flow. The spherical geometry allows for compact positioning and eliminates the need for linear piston stroke space, as the ball's rotation within its spherical form factor achieves the same flow control function in a much smaller volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear piston movement (one-dimensional translation) to rotational movement of the valve ball (angular motion). This dimensional change allows the valve to achieve flow control without requiring the linear stroke space that a piston would need, thereby reducing overall valve size
4Use of energy by moving object
If a linearly movable piston is used to open and close the valve, then energy consumption is reduced, but pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical valve ball with its curved surface provides smooth flow paths that minimize turbulence and pressure losses. The rounded geometry of the ball allows gas to flow smoothly around it, reducing eddy currents and energy dissipation compared to linear piston designs with sharp edges and sudden flow direction changes
5Strength
If metal components are used in the valve construction, then strength and durability are improved, but cost increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hybrid construction where the valve body and flow path components are made from plastic or polymer materials, while the drive unit and sealing elements use metal or magnetic materials only where mechanically necessary. This composite approach reduces overall metal content and cost while maintaining required strength and durability in critical areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from predominantly metal to predominantly plastic/polymer for non-critical components. This material substitution reduces manufacturing cost, enables battery operation through reduced weight, and maintains adequate strength through proper material selection and design optimization
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 achieves low energy consumption, reduced pressure losses, and cost-effectiveness, allowing for compact and efficient operation in gas meters, including explosive-hazardous environments, with improved tolerance compensation and long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
the drive unit (A) has a magnetic coupling which is arranged to act on the valve ball (24) without contact
Implementation Method 2
the valve ball (24) is sealed relative to the valve body (30) by means of only one seal element (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electric motor driven valve for use in gas meters, has at least one valve unit (V) with a valve body and a valve element, a drive unit (A) and a connection unit (S). The units (V, A, S) can be connected to each other and separated from each other, in a modular manner. The valve element is a spherical or cylindrical valve element that is sealed relative to the valve body by means of only one sealing element, which is preferably a lip seal. The valve body has two recesses in which the valve element is rotatably mounted.