Smart Material Valve for Temperature-Dependent Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems in devices like HVAC systems and automatic transmissions lack efficient temperature-dependent fluid circulation control, leading to unnecessary cooler operation and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A valve with a smart material actuator that adjusts fluid flow based on temperature, directing it between a device and a cooler only when necessary, using a combination of a biasing device and a sealing member to manage fluid circulation efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional fluid management system is used, then the cooler operates continuously to ensure proper fluid temperature, but energy is wasted due to unnecessary cooler operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system automatically monitors fluid temperature and directs flow accordingly without external control. The smart material actuator responds autonomously to temperature changes, enabling the system to self-regulate and eliminate energy waste from unnecessary cooler operation while maintaining reliable temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow direction parameter based on temperature conditions. When fluid temperature exceeds a threshold, the valve directs flow through the cooler; when temperature is acceptable, it bypasses the cooler. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes energy usage while ensuring temperature control reliability
2Loss of energy
If a smart material actuator is added to enable temperature-dependent flow control, then energy efficiency is improved by preventing unnecessary cooler operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic temperature sensors and control systems with a smart material actuator that directly responds to temperature changes through material property changes. This substitution achieves intelligent temperature-dependent control while minimizing structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensing and actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The smart material actuator utilizes phase transitions or property changes in response to temperature variations to control valve positioning. This approach enables automatic flow direction control based on fluid temperature without requiring complex control electronics, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving energy 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 valve ensures that the fluid cooler operates only when required, reducing energy consumption by preventing unnecessary operation and optimizing fluid circulation, thus enhancing energy efficiency and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a smart material configured to be activated in response to the temperature of the fluid in the cavity having at least a first temperature such that activation of the smart material activates the actuator. The smart material is configured to be deactivated in response to a temperature of the fluid in the cavity being a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid circuit includes a device, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a sealing member, a biasing device, and an actuator. The sealing member moves inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes a smart material that is activated when the temperature of a fluid inside the housing exhibiting at least a first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the second position. The smart material is deactivated when the fluid is a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the device and then to the housing when the sealing member is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler and then to the device when the sealing member is in the second position.