Shape Memory Tube Closure Valve for External Conduit Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for crimping conduit lines to prevent fluid flow are complex, often requiring manually operated or explosive components, and involve continuous contact with fluid, leading to contamination and degradation of valve components.
Innovation Solution
A passive tube closure valve using shape memory alloy elongated bodies that contract at a threshold temperature to move modifying structures against the conduit line, effectively crimping or modifying it without active monitoring or explosive means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are inserted into a break in the conduit line, then fluid flow can be controlled, but the valve components are continuously in contact with the fluid leading to contamination and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the valve from the fluid path entirely by crimping the conduit line externally. The crimping device is inserted into a break in the conduit line, but the actual sealing action occurs outside the fluid path by crushing the conduit line walls together, eliminating continuous contact between valve components and fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a crimping device as an intermediary mechanism that transfers force from the actuator through a piston to crush the conduit line walls. This intermediary system allows flow control without direct valve component contact with the fluid, using the conduit line itself as the sealing element.
2Reliability
If manually operated valves or electronic components are used for crimping, then flow path closure can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires active monitoring and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a passive crimping device that responds automatically to environmental conditions such as temperature changes or chemical exposure. The shape memory alloy or other responsive materials in the crimping device self-activate to crush the conduit line when threshold conditions are met, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems, power sources, or control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems and active monitoring mechanisms with passive mechanical or material-based responsive systems. The crimping action is triggered by inherent material properties (shape memory effect, thermal expansion, chemical reaction) rather than electronic sensors and actuators, simplifying the overall system.
3Speed
If explosive components are used to drive structures against the conduit line, then rapid closure can be achieved, but safety risks and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from explosive chemical energy to controlled environmental parameters such as temperature, chemical concentration, or mechanical stress. The shape memory alloy or responsive material undergoes a phase change or property change at a threshold level, providing rapid but controlled closure without the safety risks of explosives.
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 solution provides a reliable, passive method to prevent fluid flow or cable movement within conduit lines, reducing contamination and component degradation, and is applicable across industries like aerospace, automotive, and nuclear.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated body comprises a shape memory alloy with a threshold contraction along the first axis at a threshold temperature
Implementation Method 2
contraction of the elongated body can cause the first modifying structure and the second modifying structure to move towards each other
Data Source
AI summary
A passive tube closure valve comprising an elongated body extending along a first axis made of a shape memory alloy with a threshold contraction along the first axis at a threshold temperature. The closure valve further comprises a passageway extending along a second axis different from the first axis shaped to surround a conduit line extending along the second axis. The closure valve further includes a first modifying structure on a first portion of the passageway and a second modifying structure on a second portion of the passageway opposite the first modifying structure. Contraction of the elongated body can cause the first modifying structure and the second modifying structure to move towards each other; where movement of at least one of the first modifying structure or the second modifying structures can be configured to modify the conduit line.