Self-Powered Pipe Valve Using Water-Flow Micro-Generation

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing water transportation pipe systems face high labor consumption and high execution costs due to manual operation of flow and pressure regulation valves and the need for external power sources for automatic control.

Innovation Solution

A micro-generation self-energized water transportation pipe adjustment valve device that utilizes electromagnetic induction to convert hydraulic potential energy into electric energy, powering automatic valve control and reducing reliance on external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual operation of flow and pressure regulation valves is used, then device complexity is reduced, but labor consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control system complexityVSAvoidlabor consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve control system is designed to be self-powered, using the water flow itself to generate the electrical energy needed for automatic control. The rotor component with permanent magnets and coil winding creates a micro-generation system that converts hydraulic energy into electrical energy to power the switching mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources and manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. The water flow drives the rotor to generate electricity, which then powers an electrically-controlled switching mechanism to adjust the valve position, substituting human labor with an automated system that uses the available water flow energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If external power source is used for automatic valve control, then labor consumption is reduced, but execution costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabor consumptionVSAvoidexternal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve control system is designed to be self-powered, using the water flow itself to generate the electrical energy needed for automatic control. The rotor component with permanent magnets and coil winding creates a micro-generation system that converts hydraulic energy into electrical energy to power the switching mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources and manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the hydraulic energy that would otherwise be wasted as pressure drop across the valve into useful electrical energy. By placing the rotor and coil winding in the water flow path, the system captures energy from the flowing water to power the control mechanism, turning a normally wasted resource into a beneficial power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flow and pressure regulation valves are installed in remote areas, then water supply coverage is improved, but operation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater supply coverageVSAvoidvalve operation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve control system is designed to be self-powered, using the water flow itself to generate the electrical energy needed for automatic control. The rotor component with permanent magnets and coil winding creates a micro-generation system that converts hydraulic energy into electrical energy to power the switching mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources and manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. The water flow drives the rotor to generate electricity, which then powers an electrically-controlled switching mechanism to adjust the valve position, substituting human labor with an automated system that uses the available water flow energy.

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 device enables automatic and self-sustaining adjustment of water flow and pressure, reducing labor and execution costs, and optimizing automatic control operations, while also preventing pipe bursts and ensuring efficient water supply.

Implementation Method 1

a power transformation and storage module configured to store, in a transformation way, relative rotational induction generation between the rotor component and the coil winding under the drive of water flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250043881A1Micro-generation self-energized water transportation pipe adjustment valve device

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 NINGBO UNIV

AI summary

A micro-generation self-energized water transportation pipe adjustment valve device is provided comprising a tubular valve outer housing, a valve component fixedly mounted at one end and a rotor component at the other end inside the valve outer housing. A coil winding is disposed on an inner side surface of an end of the valve outer housing. The rotor component comprises a rotor housing, permanent magnet groups and rotor blades spirally distributed on an inner sidewall of the rotor housing. The rotor housing is coaxially and rotatably nested into the valve outer housing. The valve component comprises a switching actuator and an electrically-controlled switching mechanism. A wire connection end of the coil winding is connected with a power transformation and storage module configured to store, in a transformation way, relative rotational induction generation between the rotor component and the coil winding under the drive of water flow.