PCB Valve Nozzle Assembly for Scalable Precision Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precision valve nozzles are complex and expensive, requiring multiple seals and manual mounting in manifolds, which complicates their design and increases costs, and there is a need for a simpler and cost-efficient solution that allows for scalability.
Innovation Solution
A valve nozzle assembly featuring a printed circuit board with integrated coils and a movable magnet, controlled by a magnetic field, which simplifies the design and allows for modular construction, enabling efficient production and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional precision valve nozzles are used, then fluid flow control precision is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body, nozzle, and actuation mechanism into a single integrated printed circuit board assembly. The magnet is embedded directly in the PCB, eliminating the need for separate valve housing and mounting structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized PCB fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, integrates the electromagnetic coil, positions the magnet, and acts as the valve body. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving precise fluid control capabilities
2Reliability
If traditional valve nozzles with multiple seals are used, then fluid tight construction is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sealing systems with electromagnetic actuation through a printed circuit board. The coil-magnet assembly provides contactless actuation, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical seals and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable fluid tight construction through integrated PCB sealing
3Manufacturing precision
If manual mounting of valves in manifolds is used, then precise positioning is achieved, but assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve and its mounting structure are merged into a single printed circuit board assembly. The PCB's inherent dimensional stability and precision manufacturing capabilities ensure accurate positioning without requiring separate manual mounting operations, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The valve components are pre-positioned and integrated into the printed circuit board during PCB fabrication, rather than being manually mounted later. This preliminary integration of the magnet, coil, and valve body into a single assembled unit eliminates time-consuming manual assembly steps while preserving precise positioning through PCB manufacturing tolerances
4Manufacturing precision
If complex valve designs are used, then precise fluid control is achieved, but scalability and upscaling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board design provides a universal platform that can be easily scaled by adjusting PCB dimensions and component placement. The same basic valve design can be replicated across multiple nozzles on a single board or across multiple boards, enabling straightforward upscaling from single-nozzle to multi-nozzle configurations while maintaining consistent fluid control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is segmented into modular PCB assemblies that can be independently designed and then replicated. This segmentation allows for easy scaling by adding or removing individual valve modules on the PCB, facilitating flexible configuration and upscaling without redesigning the entire system
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 provides a secure, reliable, and cost-effective valve nozzle assembly with a simple design, reducing production costs and enabling easy assembly and scalability, while maintaining precision in fluid flow control for applications like precision spraying of plant treatment liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a movement of the magnet between the closed and the open position is controllable by a magnetic field from the at least one coil
Implementation Method 2
at least one coil and a magnet adapted to be movable between a closed position closing the nozzle and an open position opening the nozzle, wherein a movement of the magnet between the closed and the open position is controllable by a magnetic field from the at least one coil
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
It is described a valve nozzle assembly (30) comprising a number of valve nozzles (20) arranged in a predetermined pattern. Each valve nozzle may comprising at least one coil (7, 11); and a magnet (8) adapted to be movable between a closed position (18) closing the nozzle and an open position (17) opening the nozzle, wherein a movement of the magnet between the closed (18) and the open (17) position is controllable by a magnetic field from the at least one coil (7, 11).