Pressure Wave Generator With Rapid Valve Opening at 100+ Bar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure wave generators are complex and lack robustness, necessitating a simplified and more durable design.

Innovation Solution

A pressure wave generator with a closure element that opens and closes a pressure chamber to discharge a working medium at high pressure, utilizing a pneumatic actuator and rapid pressure differentials to achieve a high-speed opening and closing movement, combined with a heater to maintain working medium temperature and prevent cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If auxiliary explosion and main explosion are used to generate pressure waves, then high pressure pulses can be generated, but the device complexity increases due to multiple chambers and ignition devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure wave generation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the auxiliary explosion chamber and delay mechanism from the system. Instead of using a two-chamber explosion system with auxiliary and main explosions, the invention uses a single pressure chamber where a closure element is rapidly opened by pressure differential, achieving the same pressure wave generation without the complex auxiliary systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical explosion mechanism with a mechanical pressure differential system. Instead of relying on explosive reactions to drive the closure element, the invention uses the pressure of the working medium itself to rapidly open the closure element, substituting chemical energy conversion with direct mechanical force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If explosion delay mechanisms are used to prevent full force impact on shutter, then shutter protection is achieved, but the device becomes less robust and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-regulating system where the pressure differential automatically opens the closure element when the pressure exceeds a certain threshold. The closure element is held closed by elastic force during filling, then self-opens when the working medium pressure overcomes the elastic retention force, eliminating the need for external delay mechanisms or protective shutters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a dynamic system where the closure element transitions from a closed state (held by elastic force) to an open state (driven by pressure differential). The elastic element provides dynamic retention during filling, then automatically releases when pressure conditions change, creating a responsive protective mechanism without complex timing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If rapid discharge of working medium is achieved within less than fifteen milliseconds, then high intensity pressure pulses are generated, but the closure element must withstand extreme pressure differentials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge speedVSAvoidclosure element durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an elastic element to cushion and retain the closure element in the closed position during the pressure filling phase. This elastic retention prepares the system for rapid discharge by storing mechanical energy that will be released when pressure differential opens the closure, allowing fast discharge while protecting the closure element from extreme stress during the filling phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a cyclic operation where the pressure chamber is filled, the closure element is retained, then rapidly opened for discharge, and finally closed again. This periodic cycle of filling-retention-discharge-close allows the system to repeatedly generate high-intensity pressure pulses while the closure element is protected during the high-pressure filling phase by the elastic retention mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20260071616A1Pressure wave generator and method of operating a pressure wave generator

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 P WAVE AG

AI summary

A method of operating a pressure wave generator (1) with a pressure chamber (2), wherein the pressure wave generator (1) comprises a closure element (9) which, in a closed position, closes the pressure chamber (2) with respect to an outlet (15) and, in an open position, allows a working medium to flow out of the pressure chamber (2) into the outlet (15); an actuator by means of which the closure element (9) can be brought from the closed position into the open position and, in particular, can also be brought from the open position into the closed position; wherein the method comprises repeatedly performing the following steps: filling the pressure chamber (2) with a gaseous working medium at a pressure of over one hundred bar; moving the actuator and thereby moving the closure element (9) in an opening direction to open the pressure chamber (2) with respect to the outlet (15), and discharging the pressurized working medium from the pressure chamber (2) through the outlet (15) within a discharge time period of less than fifteen milliseconds.