Low-Profile Remote Valve for Differential Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely-operated valves are large, heavy, and prone to premature triggering due to differential pressures, unable to automatically open and stay open without power, and lack the capability to operate in caustic environments or survive extended water exposure.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, large-aperture valve design featuring a plug, spring, lever arm, and trigger mechanism that allows for remote actuation, tolerates differential pressures, and maintains a fluid-tight seal, with a burn plug actuation system for electronic control and resistance to corrosive environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard remotely-operated valves are used, then fluid transfer can be controlled remotely, but the valves become large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuation function from a traditional valve body by using a separate trigger mechanism that releases a plug held by a spring. The valve body itself contains no moving parts or actuation components, only the plug, spring, and trigger assembly, significantly reducing overall valve weight while maintaining remote actuation capability through the burn plug ignition system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is segmented into distinct functional components: a stationary base with bore and orifices, a movable plug for flow control, a spring for automatic opening, and a separate trigger mechanism with burn plug for remote actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining functionality.
2Extent of automation
If standard relief valves or poppet valves are used, then fluid transfer can occur, but they cannot automatically open and stay open without drawing power
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed and stored energy is prepared in advance during valve assembly. When the trigger releases the plug, the pre-stored spring energy automatically propels the plug into the bore, opening the valve without requiring any external power during operation. The system performs the opening action using energy prepared beforehand rather than continuous power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve uses its own internal spring mechanism to automatically open and maintain the open state without requiring external power sources. The burn plug ignition triggers a self-contained sequence where the spring automatically performs the work of opening and holding the valve open, making the system self-sufficient after initial triggering.
3Ease of operation
If standard actuated valves are used, then fluid transfer can be controlled, but they are prone to premature triggering due to differential pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all sensitive actuation components from the valve body, eliminating the problem of premature triggering. The plug is held purely by mechanical means (trigger and spring arrangement) rather than pressure-sensitive diaphragms or electronic sensors that could falsely respond to differential pressure changes. The trigger mechanism is isolated from the fluid pathways, preventing false activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism acts as an intermediary between the external world and the plug. Rather than allowing differential pressure to directly act on the plug or any sensitive components, the trigger serves as a protected interface that only responds to intentional activation signals (burn plug ignition), blocking out spurious pressure signals.
4Stress or pressure
If standard valves are used to tolerate differential pressures, then pressure resistance can be achieved, but the valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring acts as a counterbalancing force against differential pressure. The pre-compressed spring provides a mechanical counterforce that holds the plug in position against pressure differentials, allowing the valve to tolerate significant pressure differences without requiring a larger physical size. The spring force effectively counterweights the pressure differential forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs a composite design combining the elastic energy storage capability of the spring with the mechanical locking function of the trigger and burn plug system. This composite mechanism allows compact construction while tolerating high differential pressures through the combined action of elastic recovery and mechanical constraint.
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 valve automatically opens and stays open without power, withstands differential pressures, operates in caustic conditions, and is shock-resistant, with a high flow rate and electronic control capabilities, ensuring reliable fluid transfer between chambers.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is operatively coupled to the base and the plug so as to provide force to cause the plug to move out of the internal bore
Implementation Method 2
a burn plug coupled to an electrical connector that is attached to a wire that heats when current is applied, causing the burn plug to melt and separate from the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for delivery of fluid between two chambers. The valve includes a plug, force spring that opens the plug, and a base that joins/mates with the inner surface of a chamber. Plug sealing mechanisms seal the plug to the base. Chamber sealing mechanisms seal an inner surface of a chamber bore or conduit. The valve also includes a trigger arm that holds the plug down until the trigger arm is actuated to cause the plug to move and the valve to open. The valve also includes a remotely-actuatable trigger for releasing the trigger arm. A channel permits the transfer of fluid from one side of the plug to the other.