Pilot-Operated Shuttle Valve With SMA Spring Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shuttle valves lack efficient temperature-dependent control over fluid flow, which limits their ability to adapt to varying fluid temperatures and requires manual operation or spring-based mechanisms that are not responsive to temperature changes.

Innovation Solution

A pilot operated shuttle valve assembly that incorporates a temperature-dependent shape memory alloy (SMA) spring, which adjusts the position of a horizontal or vertical shuttle within a shuttle pathway based on fluid temperature, thereby controlling the opening and closing of output lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual operation or spring-based mechanisms are used to control shuttle valve position, then the valve can be operated, but it lacks responsive adaptation to temperature changes and requires continuous manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature-dependent controlVSAvoidautomatic temperature response

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a shape memory alloy spring whose mechanical properties (modulus, stiffness) change in response to temperature variations. This allows the spring to automatically adjust the shuttle valve position based on fluid temperature without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and automation by using temperature-dependent material parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional manual operation or conventional spring mechanisms with a shape memory alloy-based actuation system. The SMA spring transforms thermal energy directly into mechanical displacement, substituting the need for manual control inputs and enabling automatic temperature-responsive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If traditional spring mechanisms are used, then the valve structure is simple, but the response to temperature changes is not efficient or responsive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structureVSAvoidtemperature response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy spring's modulus and stiffness parameters change dynamically with temperature, enabling rapid response to temperature changes while maintaining a relatively simple valve structure. This resolves the contradiction by using intelligent material properties rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses shape memory alloy material with unique thermomechanical properties that combine elastic deformation and phase transformation characteristics. This composite material behavior enables both structural simplicity and rapid temperature response, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and response speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If conventional shuttle valves are used, then they can control fluid flow, but they require significant energy input for manual operation and lack low-energy control capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual intervention requirementVSAvoidenergy for operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy spring acts as a self-powered actuator that uses thermal energy from the fluid environment to automatically adjust the valve position. This eliminates the need for manual operation and external energy sources, enabling low-energy control while maintaining ease of operation through automatic self-adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with a thermally-driven shape memory alloy actuation system. The SMA spring converts thermal energy directly into mechanical work, substituting high-energy manual intervention with a low-energy passive thermal response mechanism.

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 pilot operated shuttle valve assembly effectively controls fluid flow by adapting to temperature changes, allowing for efficient operation with minimal manual intervention and enabling low-energy control of fluid flow in actuation systems.

Implementation Method 1

incorporates a temperature-dependent shape memory alloy (SMA) spring, which adjusts the position of a horizontal or vertical shuttle within a shuttle pathway based on fluid temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS20250146597A1Pilot operated shuttle valve

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

An actuation assembly is provided herein that may include a pilot operated shuttle valve. The shuttle valve may rotate a rotation portion of the actuation assembly. When the rotation portion is rotated, different output sources may be opened and/or closed. The shuttle valve may include a shuttle may open and/or close a plurality of outputs. The shuttle may be attached to a plurality of springs, one of which may extend and/or compress based on temperature. When extended and/or compressed, the shuttle may translate within a shuttle pathway to open and/or close the plurality of outputs.