SMA Valve Actuator with Shearable Nipple
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace valves require reliable, single-use solutions for opening or closing passages under severe environmental conditions without the drawbacks of pyrotechnic actuators, such as mechanical shock, contamination, and reduced reliability, and existing SMA-based valves face issues with compatibility with chemicals like Hydrazine and IRFNA, as well as non-modular construction.
Innovation Solution
A SMA-based, single-use valve with a shearable nipple and actuator assembly that uses a hammer component to transfer force and a springy means for continued propulsion, ensuring the passage remains open without direct contact between the actuating component and the fluid, and features a modular design with geometric separation to prevent chemical incompatibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pyrotechnical actuators are used to open the valve, then the valve can be reliably actuated under severe environmental conditions, but mechanical shock and structural damage occur due to detonation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pyrotechnical detonation mechanism with a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that uses thermal energy to induce phase transformation and generate mechanical motion. The SMA element transforms from martensite to austenite phase when heated, producing linear expansion that drives the valve opening mechanism, thereby eliminating explosive mechanical shock while maintaining reliable actuation under severe conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of Shape Memory Alloy materials. The SMA actuator element undergoes a reversible phase transformation between martensite (low-temperature) and austenite (high-temperature) phases. When heated by the heating element, the SMA transitions to austenite phase, causing significant dimensional change that drives the valve mechanism, providing reliable actuation without explosive forces
2Reliability
If pyrotechnical actuators are used to open the valve, then the valve can be actuated, but gases at high pressures are generated that cause breach of sealing components and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pyrotechnical chemical reaction system with an electrical heating system combined with SMA phase transformation. The heating element gradually heats the SMA actuator through electrical resistance, causing controlled phase transformation and gradual valve opening, thereby eliminating sudden high-pressure gas generation and associated contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the controlled phase transition of Shape Memory Alloy from martensite to austenite phase through electrical heating. This phase transition occurs gradually and controllably, generating mechanical motion without the sudden pressure spikes and gas generation characteristic of pyrotechnical detonation, thus preventing sealing component breach and contamination
3Reliability
If pyrotechnical actuators are used, then the valve can be actuated, but the explosive material becomes less effective over time due to aging and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical explosive material with an electrical heating element and Shape Memory Alloy actuator. The electrical heating system does not suffer from chemical aging or sensitivity to environmental degradation. The SMA material maintains its phase transformation properties over time, providing consistent and reliable actuation performance throughout the valve's service life without the effectiveness degradation seen in pyrotechnical materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from chemical-based to physical/thermal-based. The electrical heating element and SMA system allows for controlled adjustment of actuation parameters such as heating power, temperature, and timing. This provides flexibility in optimizing valve opening characteristics while eliminating the fixed, degrading performance inherent in aged pyrotechnical materials
4Reliability
If Nitinol actuators are used with external heating means, then the valve can be actuated, but the gas or liquid flowing through the valve is exposed to temperature increase that might harm them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating function from the fluid flow path. The heating element is positioned to heat only the SMA actuator component, while the fluid flow channel remains thermally isolated. This spatial segmentation ensures that thermal energy is directed specifically at the actuator material needed for phase transformation, preventing harmful temperature exposure to temperature-sensitive fluids like Hydrazine
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the Shape Memory Alloy material as a thermal intermediary. The heating element heats the SMA actuator, which then transforms phase and generates mechanical motion to open the valve. The SMA acts as a mediator that converts thermal energy to mechanical work without requiring the fluid to be exposed to high temperatures, thus protecting temperature-sensitive chemicals from thermal damage
5Ease of manufacture
If non-modular valve construction is used, then the valve can be manufactured, but it makes it difficult to disassemble the actuator component or install it in the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve into distinct modular segments: the valve body, the actuator assembly, and the heating element. The actuator component is designed as a separate, self-contained module that can be independently manufactured, tested, and installed. This modular segmentation simplifies both manufacturing processes and field installation/maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the actuator assembly as a universal module that can be adapted to different valve configurations and applications. The standardized actuator design with clear mounting interfaces allows for easy installation and replacement across various valve types, enhancing ease of operation and maintenance while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
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, modular, and chemically compatible valve that can handle severe environmental conditions and specific chemicals like Hydrazine and IRFNA, ensuring safe and efficient operation with reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining the actuator's integrity and preventing fluid contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating component (100) from a material that is SMA and that is given to be warmed up by the warming means in a manner which leads to its lengthening along the lengthwise axis of the valve's housing assembly (20)
Implementation Method 2
from the instant of activating them as is needed for activating the valve, the act of heating up exposes also the gas or the liquid that is meant to flow through the valve, to the temperature increase
Data Source
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AI summary
A single one time use valve, based on a Shape Memory Alloy (hereinafter - SMA) actuating component, wherein the valve comprises a nipple component given to shearing and shoving from the instant of its being severed off, in a manner that enables passage of the gas or the liquid from the valve's inlet flow opening to the valve's outlet flow opening wherein the valve is a valve of the normally closed type, or enables stopping of said gas or liquid passage from the inlet flow opening to the outlet flow opening, wherein the valve is a valve of the normally open type, and wherein the valve is characterized by that the inlet flow opening and outlet flow opening are formed substantially on at least one plain, that extends in its direction wherein it is substantially orthogonal to the valve's house assembly lengthwise axis and wherein a physical demarcation exists all the time between the gas or liquid to the valve's SMA made actuating component.