Electric Drive Pivoting Valve with Flexure Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices require significant energy to operate and maintain fluid control, lacking an efficient mechanism for fluid regulation without an electric supply.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a dimensionally-stable connection part pivotably mounted on the valve housing, utilizing a flexure for both mechanical support and electric connection, allowing for energy-efficient operation with a predefinable pivot position and adjustable cross-section regulation using an electrodynamic drive with a stator and armature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional valve device is used to regulate fluid current, then fluid control is achieved, but significant energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical drive mechanisms with an electrodynamic drive system comprising a stator and armature. The armature, when energized, interacts with the stator's magnetic field to generate rotational motion that pivots the connection part, thereby controlling the valve member's position and regulating fluid flow with minimal energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support for the valve member, provides an electrical connection pathway for the armature, and functions as a pivotable linkage for the electrodynamic drive. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall system energy requirements while maintaining reliable fluid control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electric drive device is added to regulate valve position, then fluid channel cross-section can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive mechanism, connection structure, and electrical connection into a single integrated assembly. The armature is electrically connected to the connection part, which itself is pivotally mounted on the valve housing. This consolidation allows cross-section adjustment capability while minimizing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part is designed to be pivotably mounted rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the valve member's position. This pivotable connection enables the system to achieve variable cross-section regulation through controlled rotation, providing adaptability without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the armature is made movable relative to the stator for electrodynamic drive, then energy-efficient operation is achieved, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the valve member that responds to the positional changes of the connection part. This membrane can conform to sealing surfaces and maintain reliable sealing even as the connection part pivots and the armature moves relative to the stator, thus preserving sealing reliability while enabling energy-efficient electrodynamic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part acts as an intermediary between the electrodynamic drive (armature and stator) and the valve member. It translates the armature's relative motion into controlled positioning of the valve member, ensuring that sealing contact is maintained reliably while the armature moves freely relative to the stator for energy-efficient operation.
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
Enables low-energy operation with a clear fluidic switch state without electric supply, allowing for stepless adjustment of fluid channel cross-section, enhancing sealing and fatigue strength while reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The flexure is preferably made of a metallic material, in particular a spring-elastic material
Implementation Method 2
electric drive device, which is designed to influence a position of the valve member and which comprises a stator that is fixed on the valve housing and an armature arranged so as to be movable relative to the stator
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device with a valve housing, which is penetrated by a fluid channel, which extends from an inlet connection to an outlet opening and in which a valve member is arranged, which is designed to regulate a cross-section of the fluid channel, with an electric drive device to influence a position of the valve member in the fluid channel including a stator that is fixed on the valve housing and an armature arranged so as to be movable relative to the stator wherein the armature and the valve member are arranged on a dimensionally-stable connection part, which is pivotably mounted on the valve housing with a flexure, wherein the flexure is designed for an electric connection of the armature to an electric connection device designed on the valve housing and wherein the connection part forms the valve member or carries the valve member.