Thixotropic Granular Gel Valve for Precise Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves face challenges in efficiently controlling the flow of materials through small passages due to limitations in size and cost, particularly when dealing with granular solids and other materials that require precise phase changes for operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thixotropic granular gel as a valve material, which undergoes a phase change when subjected to specific pressures above or below its yield stress, allowing for selective blocking or opening of passages through the application of pressure by pumps, enabling precise control of material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional valves are used to control flow in small passages, then flow control function is achieved, but valve size and cost are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states in response to temperature changes. By controlling the thermal state of the PCM, the valve transitions between open and closed positions, enabling reliable flow control through parameter change rather than mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical valve components (moving parts, seals, actuators) with a phase change material-based flow control mechanism. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical structures, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining control reliability through phase transition physics.
2Volume of moving object
If valve size is reduced for small passages, then passage compatibility is improved, but flow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change material that undergoes distinct solid-liquid phase transitions at specific temperatures. This phase transition provides a natural, precise switching mechanism between open and closed valve states, maintaining flow control precision even in miniaturized valve configurations suitable for small passages.
3Ease of manufacture
If phase change material is used for valve operation, then valve size and cost are reduced, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material serves dual functions: it acts as both the flow control medium and the actuation mechanism. The PCM automatically transitions between valve states in response to temperature changes, eliminating the need for separate control systems, motors, or external actuators, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
This solution allows for the creation of smaller, cost-effective valves that can efficiently manage the flow of various materials, including pharmaceuticals and inks, by utilizing a granular gel that changes phase in response to pressure, effectively controlling the flow through passages of specific dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a granular gel that is a thixotropic material
Implementation Method 2
apply a pressure to the granular gel above a yield stress of the granular gel to cause a phase change in the granular gel
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments of a valve that may be opened and closed using a thixotropic or “stress yield” material, or other material that temporarily changes phase upon application of energy to the material. More particularly, some embodiments may include a valve that is opened and closed using a granular gel that is a temporary phase change material.