Thread-Actuated Proportional Flow Valve for Precise Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proportional flow control valves in existing technologies often fail to provide precise control over fluid flow, particularly in applications requiring specific fluid ratios or pressures, leading to reduced efficacy in medical procedures and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A valve apparatus with a rotatable shaft and thread mechanism that actuates a movable poppet to control fluid flow between multiple inlets and an outlet, allowing for precise control through a single 360-degree rotation, and includes a spring assembly and sealing diaphragm for balanced pressure and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional valve mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the control precision over fluid flow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical valve actuation with a voice coil motor system that uses electromagnetic fields to generate linear motion. The voice coil motor includes a coil assembly, magnet assembly, and movable platform that directly actuates the valve member, eliminating complex mechanical linkages while achieving precise proportional control through electrical signal modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a balanced valve design where fluid pressure acts equally on both sides of the valve member through balanced ports. This hydraulic balancing mechanism compensates for pressure variations and maintains stable flow control without requiring complex mechanical compensation devices, thereby improving control precision while managing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If proportional control is implemented, then fluid flow control is improved, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The voice coil motor replaces complex mechanical proportional control mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system. The coil assembly and magnet assembly generate controlled electromagnetic forces that directly move the valve member in proportion to the electrical signal, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling precise fluid flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to electrical current. By modulating the electrical signal to the voice coil motor, proportional control is achieved through parameter variation rather than mechanical adjustment, reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation for fluid flow control.
3Speed
If a single rotation opens the valve fully, then the operation speed is improved, but the control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voice coil motor provides dynamic control of the valve member position through rapid response to electrical signals. The electromagnetic actuation system can achieve full valve opening quickly while maintaining precise control throughout the stroke, resolving the contradiction between operation speed and control precision by enabling both simultaneous performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including position sensing and flow measurement that allow the control system to monitor and adjust the valve position in real-time. This feedback enables the system to achieve full opening rapidly while maintaining precise control accuracy, as the control algorithm can compensate for any deviation from the desired position.
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
Enables precise and reliable proportional control of fluid flow, ensuring accurate fluid mixing and pressure management, enhancing the efficacy of applications such as medical procedures and beverage carbonation.
Implementation Method 1
the rotatable shaft includes a thread formed at an end thereof, the thread being engaged with a sleeve that through rotation of the thread by the rotatable shaft will translate the sleeve towards and away from the movable poppet
Implementation Method 2
a spring assembly for biasing the valve member away from the valve seat
Implementation Method 3
a sealing diaphragm between the movable poppet and the thread of the rotatable shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus that includes a valve assembly including a valve retainer body that houses a movable poppet that defines a valve member that is configured to contact a conically shaped valve seat of the valve retainer body; and a motor assembly including a rotatable shaft that is configured to actuate the valve assembly; wherein the rotatable shaft includes a thread formed at an end thereof, the thread being engaged with a sleeve that through rotation of the thread by the rotatable shaft will translate the sleeve towards and away from the movable poppet to transfer an axial force to the poppet that forces the valve member into engagement and disengagement with the valve seat to open and close the valve assembly.