Pneumatic Pinch Valve Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solenoid valves face issues with residual contamination, high pressure loss, and durability problems due to direct fluid contact, and solenoid pinch valves have limitations in long-time interception and short-time release scenarios, leading to fatigue, heat generation, and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic pinch valve with a lever and pressing piece, utilizing a piston and air inlet/discharge mechanism to control fluid flow, allowing for adjustable pinching force and preventing fluid tube fatigue through optimal pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normal-opening type of solenoid pinch valve is used for long-time interception, then the fluid can be intercepted effectively, but the solenoid valve operates with electricity for long time generating large heat and affecting durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation system with a pneumatic system. A piston driven by compressed air replaces the solenoid coil, eliminating continuous electrical operation during interception. The pneumatic pressure directly actuates the pressing piece to maintain interception without generating heat, thereby resolving the contradiction between interception effectiveness and valve durability during long-time operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic actuation mechanism where compressed air is supplied to a piston to drive the pressing piece. This pneumatic system replaces the electrical solenoid system, allowing long-duration interception without the heat generation issues of continuous electrical operation, thus improving valve durability while maintaining effective fluid interception.
2Reliability
If a normal-closing type of solenoid pinch valve is used, then operation during interception is reliable, but the fluid tube is always pinched when not operating, causing fatigue break and adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the default state logic of the valve. Instead of the tube being pinched by default (normal-closing type), the pneumatic system allows the tube to remain open by default, with pinching activated only when pneumatic pressure is applied. This inversion prevents continuous pinching during non-operational states, eliminating fatigue break and adhesion issues while maintaining operation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the pinching state through pneumatic pressure. The pressing piece moves dynamically based on air pressure supply, allowing the fluid tube to be pinched only when needed and released when not in use. This dynamic behavior prevents the static pinching condition that causes fatigue and adhesion, while ensuring reliable operation during interception.
3Force
If solenoid pinch valve is made bulky to assure enough pinching force, then pinching capability is sufficient, but heat dissipation becomes problematic during long operation and multiple valve operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic force generation system with a pneumatic pressure system. The piston converts pneumatic pressure directly into mechanical force on the pressing piece, eliminating the heat generation inherent in electromagnetic coils. This allows sufficient pinching force to be achieved without the heat dissipation problems that would result from making the solenoid valve bulky.
4Temperature
If solenoid pinch valve is made compact to reduce heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but pinching force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure acting on a piston to generate the pinching force. This pneumatic mechanism can deliver sufficient force in a compact design because pneumatic systems are inherently more force-dense than electromagnetic systems. The compact pneumatic actuator provides adequate pinching force without the heat generation issues of a bulky solenoid valve.
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 pneumatic pinch valve provides a simple construction that prevents fluid tube fatigue and breakage during long-time operation, ensuring durability and minimizing pressure loss and heat generation, while allowing for optimal adjustment of pinching force and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
air introduced into the first cavity via the air inlet port moves the piston toward the fluid tube receiving space so as to press the fluid tube
Implementation Method 2
the pressing piece and the lever are provided with a fluid tube receiving space between the pressing piece and the lever
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic pinch valve assembly having a lever, a piston supporting a pressing piece, and a fluid tube receiving space formed between the lever and the pressing piece for receiving fluid tubes is disclosed. Air is introduced into a cavity to actuate the piston in order to pinch a fluid tube between the lever and the pressing piece to intercept a fluid flow through the tube. A pinching action control feature is located between the piston and the pressing piece and is used to protect the fluid tube by limiting one or more amounts of compression of the fluid tube during operation. The amount of compression of the fluid tube is able to be adjusted so that the fluid tube is not easily deteriorated during long-time operation.