Shape Memory Valve Stack for Quiet Compact Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves for controlling fluids, particularly compressed air, are noisy, require a large installation space, and are costly due to multiple shape memory wires, making them unsuitable for noise-sensitive applications with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a primary and secondary sealing element, actuated by a single shape memory element, with a compact and cost-effective configuration using a valve housing with interconnected chambers and sealing elements that allow for reliable fluid control with reduced components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional solenoid valves are used for controlling compressed air, then fluid control function is achieved, but noise level increases and installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated valve body with interconnected chambers. The primary and secondary sealing elements work together within a unified structure that includes a primary chamber, secondary chamber, and tertiary chamber, eliminating the need for separate solenoid valve components and reducing overall installation space while maintaining fluid control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic solenoid actuation system with a shape memory alloy-based mechanical actuation system. The shape memory element responds to temperature changes rather than electromagnetic fields, eliminating the noisy electromagnetic coil and plunger mechanism while achieving reliable sealing element actuation through thermal-mechanical transformation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple shape memory wires are used to achieve quiet switching, then noise level decreases, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple shape memory wires into a single shape memory element. This unified actuator controls both the primary and secondary sealing elements through the interconnected chamber design, reducing the number of actuators from multiple to one while maintaining quiet operation and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shape memory element performs multiple functions: it actuates the primary sealing element to control the first connection opening and simultaneously actuates the secondary sealing element to control the second connection opening. This multi-functional actuator reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while achieving reliable fluid control.
3Reliability
If multiple shape memory wires are used for reliable switching, then switching reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing and actuation functions into a single integrated valve body with interconnected chambers. The unified structure with primary, secondary, and tertiary chambers allows one shape memory element to reliably control both sealing elements, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining switching reliability through the coordinated chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tertiary chamber acts as an intermediary that transmits pressure changes from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber. This pressure transmission mechanism ensures reliable actuation of both sealing elements through the single shape memory element, maintaining switching reliability while simplifying the actuation system and reducing manufacturing cost.
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 design achieves low noise operation, reliable fluid flow control, and reduced manufacturing costs while occupying a minimal space, suitable for noise-sensitive applications like vehicle seat massage systems.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory element which is coupled to the primary sealing element and the valve housing such that application of an electric current to the shape memory element causes displacement of the primary sealing element from the rest position into the activated position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for controlling a fluid includes a valve housing having a primary chamber, a secondary chamber and a tertiary chamber, a first connection opening, a second connection opening. A primary port opening, secondary port opening, and a tertiary port opening is formed corresponding a primary, secondary and tertiary chamber. A primary sealing element is arranged in the valve housing. An urging element urges the primary sealing element towards the rest position. A shape memory element causes displacement of the primary sealing element from a rest position into an activated position. A secondary sealing element is arranged in the valve housing, wherein the secondary sealing element is mechanically coupled to the sealing element such that upon displacement of the primary sealing element from the activated position into the rest position, the secondary sealing element is displaced from a closed posture into an open posture.