Remote Pneumatic Valve Actuation for Fail-Safe Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems face issues with remote control mechanisms, such as kinking or breaking of cables or fluid lines, leading to uncontrolled flow and potential flooding, and lack efficiency in simultaneous or sequential actuation of multiple valves.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser system using a low-pressure signal generator and receiver mechanism with magnet and armature valve assemblies, allowing for remote control of fluid flow, including simultaneous, sequential, and alternate actuation of multiple valves, with a 'fail-safe' design to prevent uncontrolled flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable linkage systems are used for remote actuation, then the actuator can be operated from near the discharge end, but the system is prone to kinking or corrosion causing valve failure and continuous flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable linkage system with a pneumatic system. A trigger mechanism actuates a piston that compresses air in a reservoir, sending a pressurized air pulse through a tube to the valve. This pneumatic system eliminates the kinking and corrosion problems of cable linkages while maintaining remote actuation capability from the dispensing handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a pneumatic actuation system where a trigger-operated piston compresses air in a reservoir, creating a pressure wave that travels through a flexible tube to actuate the valve diaphragm. This pneumatic approach provides reliable remote control without the mechanical failure modes of cable systems, as the air pulse can flexibly transmit force without kinking or corroding.
2Ease of operation
If fluid lines are used for actuating the valve, then remote operation is achieved, but the lines may kink or break causing uncontrolled flow and flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a fail-safe design where the valve defaults to the closed position. The pneumatic system only opens the valve when a pressurized air pulse is actively sent from the trigger. If the air line kinks or breaks, the valve simply remains closed, preventing flooding. This is achieved through the diaphragm design where spring force or atmospheric pressure keeps the valve closed unless actively pressurized.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic air pulse system provides inherent fail-safe protection. The flexible air tube can accommodate movement and positioning without kinking, and if it does fail, the valve's default closed state prevents harmful effects. The compressed air reservoir and pulse mechanism ensure reliable actuation without creating flooding risks.
3Device complexity
If traditional mechanical linkage systems are used, then simple valve control is achieved, but simultaneous or sequential actuation of multiple valves cannot be facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic trigger system serves multiple functions: it can actuate a single valve or multiple valves in sequence or simultaneously by controlling the timing and distribution of air pulses. The same trigger mechanism and air reservoir can selectively activate different valves based on system configuration, providing versatility without increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism can generate periodic or sequential air pulses to actuate multiple valves in a controlled sequence. By timing the release of compressed air, the system can open valves one after another or simultaneously, enabling versatile control of multiple discharge paths or fluid sources from a single actuation point.
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 system ensures reliable and efficient control of fluid flow, preventing flooding and enabling efficient mixing and selection of fluid mixtures, while maintaining a 'fail-safe' operation even if the connection is kinked or severed.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm is responsive to movement by a piston in response to a low-pressure signal from the generator to a position overcoming the force of the spring
Implementation Method 2
The magnet is moved to a position influencing the armature to move the valve assembly from the closed to the open position
Implementation Method 3
the liquid concentrate is drawn from a source and mixed, via an eductor utilizing Venturi action, with a diluent water stream to form the overall diluted detergent or other effluent mixture
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates generally to the dispensing of a fluid. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for remotely controlling the flow of an effluent fluid stream from a dispensing hose of a fluid dispenser. An actuator controls at least one valve assembly of the fluid dispenser and comprises a generator located remotely of the at least one valve assembly, for generating a low-pressure signal, and at least one receiver in fluid communication with the generator for receiving the low pressure signal of each receiver operably associated with each valve assembly. The actuator also facilitates the simultaneous, sequential and alternate control of the at least one valve assembly.