Self-Reset Flood Valve for Automatic Battery Enclosure Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves for battery enclosures require manual operation to release accumulated fluid or pressurized gas, necessitating periodic external interventions, which is unsafe and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A self-actuatable umbrella valve with an expandable material, such as cellulose or silica gel, that expands to push a retainer and tilt a membrane for drainage, closing automatically once the fluid is removed, eliminating the need for external intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional valve is used for draining fluid from battery enclosure, then the valve can release accumulated fluid, but periodic external intervention is required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to operate automatically using the weight of accumulated fluid as the actuating force. The float mechanism converts fluid weight into mechanical motion that opens the valve when fluid reaches a certain level, eliminating the need for external intervention. The system serves itself by using the problem (fluid accumulation) as the solution (actuating force).
Solution Approach 2:
The valve transitions from a static, manually-operated device to a dynamic, self-regulating system. The float moves dynamically with fluid level changes, automatically opening and closing the valve based on real-time fluid accumulation, creating a responsive feedback mechanism without external control.
2Reliability
If a manual valve is used, then the structure can be simple, but safety is compromised due to delayed response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors, control systems, and powered actuators with a simple mechanical float-and-lever mechanism. This mechanical substitution achieves automatic safety response using basic physics principles (buoyancy and leverage), maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary between the fluid accumulation (problem) and the valve opening (solution). It translates fluid level information into mechanical motion that directly actuates the valve, creating a simple yet effective mediation mechanism that ensures timely safety response without complex control systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the valve opens for drainage, then fluid can be released, but external fluid may enter through the same opening
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening is segmented into two separate functions: an internal drain passage for releasing accumulated fluid from the battery enclosure, and an external flood valve opening for preventing external fluid ingress. This segmentation allows the system to perform both drainage and protection functions independently, eliminating the conflict between releasing internal fluid and blocking external fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single opening that must alternate between draining and sealing, the design inverts the approach by providing separate openings for each function. The internal drain opens inward to release fluid, while the external flood valve opens outward to prevent ingress, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without compromising safety.
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 effectively and automatically drains fluid from battery enclosures, preventing external fluid ingress and ensuring safety without manual operation, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable material is adapted to expand in size when absorbing a fluid
Implementation Method 2
Once fluid is drained from module, the absorbed liquid evaporates or is otherwise removed from the expandable member
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a holder having an expandable material. The valve includes a retainer coupled to the holder. The valve further includes an umbrella member with a stem coupled to the holder. The expandable material is adapted to expand in size when absorbing a fluid and translate the umbrella member along an axis of the stem.