Shape Memory Freeze Prevention Valve for Temperature-Based Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional freeze prevention techniques require separate heating energy and apparatus, leading to water loss and complex installation and maintenance, as they cannot control the discharge flow rate effectively to prevent pipe freezing.
Innovation Solution
A freeze prevention valve using a shape memory elastic body that controls the flow rate by changing yield stress in response to temperature changes, allowing the valve to open or close proportionally and manage the flow of working fluids without simple opening/closing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional freeze prevention techniques (heating devices, circulation systems) are used, then pipe freezing can be prevented, but separate heating energy and apparatus are required, leading to complex installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the freeze prevention function with the existing valve structure by integrating a shape memory alloy disc into the valve body. The shape memory alloy disc serves dual purposes: controlling water flow through the valve and preventing pipe freezing through its temperature-responsive expansion. This eliminates the need for separate heating devices or circulation systems, simplifying both installation and maintenance while maintaining reliable freeze prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy disc automatically responds to temperature changes by expanding or contracting, thereby controlling water flow without requiring external power sources, control systems, or manual intervention. The material's inherent phase transition properties enable it to self-regulate water discharge based on ambient temperature, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms and reducing maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If circulation and discharge technique is used to prevent freezing, then water can be prevented from freezing by continuous flow, but the flow rate of discharged water cannot be controlled, leading to water loss
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy disc changes its physical state (phase) in response to temperature variations, which alters its volume and thereby controls the water flow rate through the valve. At temperatures above the transformation point, the disc remains in austenite phase with smaller volume, allowing normal water flow. When temperature drops below the transformation point, the disc transforms to martensite phase with larger volume, restricting the flow passage and reducing water discharge. This automatic parameter adjustment prevents freezing while minimizing water loss.
3Ease of operation
If simple opening/closing operation is used, then valve control is straightforward, but the flow rate cannot be controlled proportionally to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (such as manual valves, actuators, or electronic controls) with a shape memory alloy disc that uses material science principles (phase transition) to control water flow. The alloy's inherent ability to change volume during phase transition automatically regulates the flow rate in proportion to temperature changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical or electronic control systems while achieving precise flow control.
4Extent of automation
If heating devices are used for freeze prevention, then automatic operation is achieved when temperature drops, but separate heating energy and apparatus are required
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy disc utilizes phase transition (austenite to martensite transformation) in response to temperature changes to control water flow automatically. When the ambient temperature drops below the transformation point, the alloy disc transforms phase, increases in volume, and restricts the water passage, thereby reducing water discharge and preventing pipe freezing. This passive thermal response eliminates the need for external heating energy or power sources, achieving automatic freeze prevention through material phase change rather than active heating.
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
This solution reduces water loss and simplifies installation and maintenance by controlling the flow rate of working fluids according to temperature, ensuring continuous flow without freezing, even at sub-freezing temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory elastic body which is located between the disk and the cap, detects a temperature of external air or a working fluid, allows a yield stress to be changed according to the temperature of the external air or the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
allows a yield stress to be changed according to the temperature of the external air or the working fluid by a phase change
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature, wherein the valve is to prevent freezing of a pipe by allowing a working fluid such as water flowing along various pipes including water pipes, faucets, and water meters to continuously flow without freezing at a temperature below a freezing point, and a shape memory elastic body which is a configuration of the valve can control a flow rate of the working fluid flowing out of the valve by proportionally changing a yield stress by a phase change according to a temperature of the working fluid instead of performing a simple opening/closing operation.