Seat Valve With Electro-Active Polymeric Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat valves with electromagnetic actuators have high energy absorption and are not suitable for applications in strong magnetic fields due to the use of ferromagnetic coils.

Innovation Solution

A seat valve with an electro-active polymeric actuator that uses flexible electrodes and an incompressible polymeric layer, which requires minimal energy to displace the valve element and operates efficiently even in strong magnetic fields, as it does not rely on ferromagnetic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electromagnetic actuator with ferromagnetic coil is used, then the valve can be actuated reliably, but the energy absorption is high and it is not suitable for strong magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation reliabilityVSAvoidenergy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuator (which uses ferromagnetic coils and continuous power) with a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator uses piezoelectric ceramics that deform under applied voltage to directly drive the valve element, eliminating the need for ferromagnetic materials and continuous power supply while maintaining reliable actuation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating principle from electromagnetic actuation (requiring continuous power and ferromagnetic materials) to piezoelectric actuation (using voltage-induced deformation of piezoelectric ceramics). This parameter change enables the valve to operate with minimal energy consumption and without ferromagnetic components, resolving both the energy absorption and magnetic field compatibility issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If an electromagnetic actuator with ferromagnetic coil is used, then the valve can be actuated, but the energy absorption is high due to permanent coil activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuationVSAvoidenergy absorption in stationary state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuator that requires permanent coil activation with a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator only consumes energy during actuation events when voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramics, allowing the valve to remain stationary without continuous power consumption while maintaining full actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ferromagnetic materials are used in the actuator, then electromagnetic actuation is achieved, but the valve is not suitable for applications in strong magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field compatibilityVSAvoidactuator construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuator containing ferromagnetic coils with a piezoelectric actuator using piezoelectric ceramics. This substitution eliminates all ferromagnetic materials from the actuator construction, making the valve compatible with strong magnetic field applications such as MRI equipment, while the actuator construction remains relatively simple with direct coupling of the piezoelectric element to the valve element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 electro-active polymeric actuator reduces energy absorption and allows the seat valve to function efficiently in strong magnetic fields, maintaining the valve position without continuous energy input and ensuring fluid-tight sealing.

Implementation Method 1

at least one piezoelectric actuator is provided which acts upon the valve element in order to displace the valve element between a first position in which the seat valve is open and a second position in which the seat valve is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9995404B2Seat valve

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A seat valve (10) is described having a valve body (12) which comprises at least two fluid openings (14, 16). Furthermore, the seat valve (10) comprises at least one valve seat (20), at least one valve element (22) which can be displaced in a translatory manner and at least one actuator (24) which is formed as an electro-active polymeric actuator and cooperates with the valve element (22).