Pressure-Actuated In-Line Valve With Cam Indexing for Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-way in-line valves for tire inflation and deflation require external electrical energy and are not suitable for confined spaces or harsh environments, where reliability and safety concerns arise due to size, weight, and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-actuated, two-way, two-position in-line valve that operates using fluid pressure, eliminating the need for external energy sources and featuring a compact design with rotating sections and cam surfaces to control fluid flow, scalable to fit within the fluid line, and utilizing a retractable latching mechanism for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid or electric valves are used for two-way pressure control, then valve operation is achieved, but the device size increases and requires external electrical energy
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses the fluid pressure from the line itself to actuate the valve mechanism. The pressure differential across the diaphragm directly drives the plunger and cam mechanism to open or close the valve, eliminating the need for external electrical energy sources while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic actuation systems (solenoids or electric motors) with a purely mechanical pressure-driven system. The fluid pressure acts on the diaphragm to mechanically move the plunger and cam, substituting electrical-mechanical conversion with direct fluid-mechanical conversion
2Reliability
If solenoid or electric valves are used for two-way pressure control, then valve operation is achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body, diaphragm chamber, plunger mechanism, and cam surfaces are integrated into a single compact assembly. The sealing section combines multiple sealing functions in one component, and the actuating mechanism merges the diaphragm, plunger, and cam into a unified pressure-responsive structure, reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions: it contains the fluid passage, houses the diaphragm chamber, provides the sealing surfaces, and acts as the structural framework for the actuating mechanism. The cam mechanism simultaneously controls both the opening and closing actions of the valve
3Productivity
If rotating seals are used in harsh environments, then fluid flow control is achieved, but leakage and reliability problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the rotating seal component entirely from the design. Instead of using a rotating shaft with seals, the valve employs a linear reciprocating plunger that moves axially within a sealed chamber, removing the source of leakage and reliability problems associated with rotating seals
4Volume of moving object
If a compact valve design is used for confined spaces, then space requirements are reduced, but valve functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm chamber is nested within the valve body, the plunger moves within the sealed chamber, and the cam surfaces are integrated into the valve housing. This nested arrangement allows all functional components to be contained within a compact volume while maintaining full two-way pressure control functionality
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 efficient control of fluid flow in confined spaces without electricity, reducing weight and leakage risks, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments and providing a cost-effective solution for tire inflation and deflation.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid pressure pulse or increase pushes one section against the other against a spring force
Implementation Method 2
The fluid pressure pulse or increase pushes one section against the other against a spring force
Implementation Method 3
cam surfaces and followers cause the rotation of one section relative to the other. The cam track in which the cam follower moves is shaped to cause controlled linear movement
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line valve includes an in-line plunger having angled tooth cam surfaces mounted for non-rotational sliding along a conduit, and an in-line ported piston having angled tooth cam surfaces mounted to slide and rotate along the conduit. The angled tooth cam surfaces on the piston and plunger are resiliently biased in opposed facing relation so as to engage in rotationally sliding engagement over one another. This selectively indexes the piston into valve open and valve closed positions. The plunger is driven against the resilient return biasing of the piston by a modulated fluid pressure pulse from the fluid line attached to the valve. In the valve open position, a port in the piston passes the fluid through the piston and the plunger and along the fluid line. In the valve closed position, the port is closed off and the piston seals off the fluid flow through the piston and plunger.