Thermostatic Valve Using SMA Memory Spring for Faster Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermostatic valves with thermal actuators have a long response time and large volume, causing hysteresis in temperature control and affecting transmission performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermostatic valve using a memory spring made of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) to rapidly switch flow paths, driven by a combination of memory spring and return spring, allowing for faster temperature control and reduced weight and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a thermal actuator with thermosensitive substance is used to switch flow paths, then the valve can control temperature, but the response time is long and volume is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring from ordinary material to shape memory alloy, which exhibits different mechanical properties at different temperatures. This parameter change enables the spring to rapidly change its elastic characteristics when reaching the transformation temperature, achieving fast response without requiring a large-volume thermal actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal actuator mechanism (which uses thermal expansion of thermosensitive substance to drive valve movement) with a shape memory alloy spring that uses temperature-induced phase transformation to directly change its elastic properties and drive the valve core. This substitution eliminates the need for separate thermal sensing and actuation components, reducing both volume and response time
2Reliability
If a thermal actuator is used to sense temperature and drive valve movement, then temperature control is achieved, but the device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the return spring for valve core movement, the temperature sensing element, and the actuator. When the temperature reaches the transformation point, the spring's elastic modulus changes, causing it to rapidly contract or expand and drive the valve core. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate thermal actuator and spring components, reducing overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the thermal actuator, thermosensitive substance, and return spring into a single shape memory alloy spring component. This integration reduces the number of parts and overall weight while maintaining reliable temperature-controlled operation
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 improves the response time of temperature control, enhancing transmission performance and reducing the weight and volume of the valve, thus addressing the limitations of traditional thermal actuators.
Implementation Method 1
A thermostatic valve using a memory spring made of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) to rapidly switch flow paths
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a thermostatic valve, comprising an end cap (30), a valve body (10), and a valve core (40) located in a valve chamber (10a) of the valve body, wherein the thermostatic valve has a first outlet (101), a second outlet (104), a first inlet (103) communicating with the valve chamber, a first valve port (B) communicating with the valve chamber and the second outlet, and a second valve port (A) communicating with the valve chamber and the first outlet; and the valve chamber is further provided with a return spring (202) and a memory spring (201). When the temperature rises to a specified value, the memory spring produces an elastic force to drive the valve core to move overcoming the return force, shutting the first valve port. The valve body or valve core or end cap are provided with an initial position and an operating position, and at least one end of the memory spring is located at the initial position. When the temperature rises to a specified value, the memory spring deforms such that the rear end can disengage from the initial position and be kept in the operating position. The memory spring has a faster response time and can immediately switch to another flow path. The thermostatic valve is small in volume; and by means of providing the initial position and the operating position, a relevant device can be filled with a medium via the first outlet in an initial state.