Pneumatic Binary Valve Assembly for Air Pulse and One-Way Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid valve systems fail to recover or reuse motion or energy and do not effectively contribute to valve function, particularly in delivering a pulse of pressurized air or providing a one-way valve operation.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly comprising a moveable or flexible member within an inlet housing coupled to an outlet housing, which reversibly moves based on fluid flow and pressure, creating a leak path to vent compressed air and control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet, allowing for momentary motion to perform work and enabling a one-way valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional fluid valve systems are used, then the valve function is provided, but motion or energy is not recovered or reused
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system recovers and reuses its own motion and energy through the flexible member's reversible movement. The flexible member acts as both the actuating element and the energy storage element, eliminating the need for external energy recovery systems while maintaining reliable valve function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers the energy and motion that would otherwise be lost during valve operation. The flexible member stores energy during compression and releases it during expansion, recovering what would normally be discarded energy while maintaining consistent valve performance.
2Loss of energy
If a flexible member is added to control fluid flow, then energy recovery is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the actuating element that opens and closes the valve, serves as an energy storage device through its elastic deformation, and provides the sealing function when in the closed position. This multi-functionality enables energy recovery without adding separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible member (diaphragm or bellows) provides a simple yet effective mechanism for energy storage and release. The flexible film or shell deforms elastically under pressure differential, storing energy during compression and releasing it during expansion, adding minimal structural complexity while enabling energy recovery.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the flexible member moves reversibly based on fluid pressure, then momentary motion is achieved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member undergoes periodic reversible movement in response to pressure differentials across the valve. The member compresses when upstream pressure exceeds downstream pressure, then expands when the pressure differential reverses, creating a controlled periodic action that generates momentary motion suitable for pulse delivery applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the flexible member's movement by changing pressure parameters rather than requiring precise mechanical positioning. The pressure differential across the flexible member naturally controls its degree of compression and expansion, simplifying control requirements while achieving the desired momentary motion for pulse delivery.
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 enables efficient use of compressed air by venting pressure through a leak path, allowing for controlled fluid flow and preventing continuous actuation of the valve, thus optimizing pneumatic systems by reducing energy consumption and improving control over fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible member is configured to deform, flex and/or move based on a flow and/or pressure of fluid from the inlet
Implementation Method 2
the flexible member configured and arranged to deform, flex and/or move based on a flow and/or pressure of fluid
Implementation Method 3
a leak path between an inner edge of the moveable or flexible member and the outlet port of the outlet housing at the second position, where the compressed air can be vented out through the outlet, causing an incoming pressure to drop
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include an assembly with an inlet housing enclosing an outlet housing that includes an inlet. The outlet housing includes an outlet port and a channel or aperture coupled to an outlet and apertures coupled to atmosphere. A moveable or flexible member is positioned in the inlet housing coupled to the outlet housing, and can deform, flex and/or move based on a flow and/or pressure of fluid from the inlet. Based on the flow and/or pressure of fluid from the inlet, the moveable or flexible member can reversibly move from a first position to a second position and/or from a second position to a first position. The first position is characterized by the moveable or flexible member being coupled to, proximate to, sealed to the aperture, and the second position is characterized by the moveable or flexible member being moved away from the aperture.