Magnetorheological Valve Membrane for Beverage Filling Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-pneumatic actuators used in beverage bottling systems are expensive and require a cost-effective replacement with a solution that offers a long service life and simple control of fluid paths.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system utilizing a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) actuator element, which changes shape in response to magnetic fields, allowing for easy control of fluid paths between rest and setting positions, and can be designed as a fluid valve membrane with an electromagnet, providing sufficient actuating force for sealing fluid paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electro-pneumatic actuators are used for controlling fluid paths, then reliable actuation force is achieved, but high cost and complex structure result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electro-pneumatic mechanical system with a magnetorheological elastomer-based actuator that uses magnetic field control. The MRE material directly converts magnetic energy to mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for pneumatic components, seals, and complex mechanical linkages while maintaining reliable actuation force for valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator employs magnetorheological elastomer, a composite material combining magnetic particles within an elastomeric matrix. This composite enables the material to exhibit controllable stiffness and shape changes under magnetic fields, providing both the actuation force and the simplified structure needed to resolve the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Force
If electro-pneumatic actuators are used, then sufficient actuating force is provided, but high manufacturing cost incurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive electro-pneumatic components with a more cost-effective magnetorheological elastomer actuator. The MRE material can be manufactured using simpler processes such as molding and magnetic field curing, eliminating the need for precision machining of pneumatic components and reducing assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient actuating force.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation force is controlled by varying magnetic field parameters (strength and polarity) rather than requiring complex pneumatic pressure control systems. This parameter change approach allows for cost-effective force control through simple electromagnetic coils instead of expensive pneumatic regulators and sensors.
3Device complexity
If magnetorheological elastomer is used for actuator element, then structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains control precision by utilizing the ability to precisely adjust magnetic field parameters. The magnetic field strength, direction, and timing can be controlled with high precision through electronic control systems, enabling accurate positioning of the MRE actuator element and precise control of valve opening/closing timing despite the simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the actuator position and valve state, adjusting magnetic field parameters in real-time to maintain precise control. This feedback loop ensures that the simplified MRE-based structure achieves the same control precision as complex electro-pneumatic systems.
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 MRE actuator system provides efficient and cost-effective control of fluid paths, ensuring secure closure and opening with rapid switching times, suitable for high working pressures in beverage bottling systems, and can be configured for both normally open and normally closed configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator element consists of a material that, depending on a first control signal, assumes a first shape in which the actuator element assumes a first rest position, and which, depending on a second control signal, assumes a shape in which the actuator element assumes a second actuating position. According to the invention, it is also provided that the material of the actuator element is or comprises a magnetorheological elastomer
Implementation Method 2
the actuator has at least one electromagnet, wherein the actuator element is located in the variable magnetic field of the electromagnet, and the magnetic field of the electromagnet can be varied by the first and second control signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuator (14) for controlling at least one fluid path (20) of a filling unit (12) for a beverage filling system (10) having at least one control unit and having at least one actuator element (24, 24'), by means of which an adjusting force can be provided, wherein the actuator element (24, 24') has a seat part (5, 5') that is stationary relative to a seat and a closure part (6, 6') that is movable relative to the seat. At least one first control signal and at least one second control signal can be provided by means of the control unit. At least part of the actuator element (24, 24') consists of a material which adopts a first form according to a first control signal, in which first form the actuator element (24, 24') assumes a first, rest position, and which adopts a second form according to the second control signal, in which second form the actuator element (24, 24') assumes a second, engagement position, wherein the material of the actuator element (24, 24') or of a movable part (9) is or comprises a magnetorheological elastomer. The actuator (14) comprises at least one electromagnet (2, 7). The actuator element (24, 24') is disposed in the variable magnetic field of the electromagnet (2, 7), and the first and second control signal change the magnetic field of the electromagnet (2, 7). According to the invention, the actuator element (24, 24') is a fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or a movable part (9) and the closure part (6, 6') is a component of the fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or of the movable part (9), or an additional part on which the closure part (6, 6') is formed is driven by the fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or the movable part (9). The invention also relates to a filling unit (12) for a beverage filling system (10) and to a beverage filling system (10), each having at least one actuator (14) according to the invention.