Pressure-Release Valve Control for Low-Power Fluid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid control devices face high power consumption when maintaining pressure in a container, and they are unable to release pressure effectively when the power source is shut off, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a capacitor or secondary battery to store energy, which is used to drive a valve to release pressure in the container when the main power source is reduced or lost, allowing the valve to communicate and isolate ports accordingly to maintain or release pressure efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid valve is continuously energized to maintain pressure in the container, then the pressure control reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is installed in advance in the fluid passage between the pump and container. This check valve automatically maintains pressure by preventing backflow without requiring continuous power supply, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption through preliminary structural preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve operates autonomously using the pressure differential itself to control fluid flow direction. It automatically closes when pressure equalizes and opens when pressure drops, eliminating the need for external power supply while maintaining pressure control reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If the main power source is shut off, then the power consumption is reduced, but the container pressure cannot be released, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A second solenoid valve is introduced as an intermediary component connected between the container and external environment. This valve is controlled by a separate power source that activates only when needed for pressure release, thus mediating between power conservation and safety requirements
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor continuously monitors the container pressure and provides feedback to the control unit. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold after main power shutdown, the control unit activates the second solenoid valve to release pressure, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism
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
This configuration reduces power consumption during normal operation and ensures safe pressure release when the power is shut off, preventing hazardous pressure buildup in the container.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor or secondary battery, driven by power stored in the capacitor or secondary battery
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor or secondary battery, driven by power stored in the capacitor or secondary battery
Implementation Method 3
a pump that is driven by a main power source and that is capable of pressurizing or depressurizing an inside of the container. A suction port and a discharge port of the pump internally communicate with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device (10) includes a container (13), a pump (11), a solenoid valve (12), and a capacitor. The pump (11) is driven by a main power source, and is capable of pressurizing or depressurizing the inside of the container (13). A suction port and a discharge port of the pump (11) internally communicate with each other. The solenoid valve (12) is connected at both ends thereof to the container (13) and the pump (11). If the voltage of the main power source is reduced or lost, the solenoid valve (12) releases pressure in the container (13) by being driven by the power stored in the capacitor or secondary battery.