Two-Stage Trigger Valve for High-Pressure Low-Force Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trigger systems for pressurized fluid devices face challenges with high actuation forces at high pressures, leakage issues due to flexible diaphragms, and the need for reliable, repeatable, and humane operation over extended periods without frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A trigger valve design featuring a housing with a cavity, a trigger poppet, and a trigger piston, where the poppet and piston are biased by high-pressure fluid for sealing, and an external input unseals the sealing engagement to allow high-pressure fluid flow, enabling controlled work and self-resetting functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical trigger system is used to control high-pressure fluid, then the system can deliver precise repeatable energy, but the actuation force required becomes too large to make a commercially useful trigger system
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger system is divided into two separate stages: a first trigger valve that operates at low pressure with a diaphragm mechanism, and a second trigger valve that operates at high pressure with a piston mechanism. The first stage uses a small force to actuate the diaphragm, which then triggers the second stage to deliver the high-pressure fluid burst. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its respective pressure level, avoiding the need for a single trigger to handle both low and high pressure requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The first trigger valve acts as an intermediary between the external trigger input and the second trigger valve. When the diaphragm of the first trigger valve is actuated, it opens a passage that allows pressurized fluid to act on the piston of the second trigger valve. This intermediary mechanism translates a small external force into the large force needed to actuate the high-pressure valve, solving the actuation force problem while maintaining precise control.
2Device complexity
If flexible diaphragms are used in the valve train, then the system can operate with simple structure, but the diaphragms leak over time leading to firing and degassing of the operating fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The valve train is segmented into two separate trigger valves with distinct functions. The first trigger valve uses a diaphragm for low-pressure control and triggering, while the second trigger valve uses a piston and seal system for high-pressure fluid delivery. This segmentation allows the diaphragm to be used only where its flexibility is needed for triggering, while the high-pressure fluid path uses a more reliable piston-seal arrangement, thereby reducing the risk of leakage and unintended firing.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic flexible diaphragm is extracted from the high-pressure fluid path and confined to the first trigger valve's low-pressure control circuit. By removing the diaphragm from the high-pressure section and replacing it with a piston-seal system in the second trigger valve, the design eliminates the source of potential leakage while maintaining the simplicity of diaphragm-based triggering where it is most effective.
3Speed
If the system remains in a ready to fire state for extended periods, then it can respond quickly when needed, but the diaphragm based valve train leaks and wastes propelling fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The ready-to-fire state is maintained in two separate stages. The first trigger valve's diaphragm remains in a neutral position during extended readiness periods, blocking the passage to the second trigger valve. The second trigger valve's piston remains sealed and ready to deliver high-pressure fluid instantly when triggered. This segmentation ensures that the propelling fluid is contained and not wasted during long standby periods, while still enabling rapid response when activation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The first trigger valve automatically maintains the sealing position of the second trigger valve during extended readiness periods without requiring external intervention. The diaphragm's elastic recovery force continuously keeps the passage blocked, and the system self-regulates to prevent leakage. When triggered, the diaphragm automatically opens the passage, allowing the second trigger valve to activate without manual resetting, thus achieving self-service 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 provides a reliable, repeatable, and efficient trigger mechanism that operates effectively at high pressures, reduces leakage, and allows for long-term operation without frequent maintenance, ensuring humane and effective pest control.
Implementation Method 1
the trigger poppet and trigger piston are biased towards each other at least by the high-pressure fluid acting on the minor face, such that the high-pressure fluid is sealed from the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the poppet sealing portion when displaced from the primary sealing portion by the external input unseals the sealing engagement and allows high pressure fluid to flow into the cavity and act on the major face causing the trigger poppet to move
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a trigger valve methods, use and apparatus. The valve has a housing enclosing, at least in part, a cavity. There is a trigger poppet including a poppet sealing portion at least in part within the cavity, the trigger poppet configured to receive an external input at, or toward, a receiving end thereof. A trigger piston including a primary sealing portion and a major face at least in part within the cavity, the trigger piston configured to receive high pressure fluid therethrough, the trigger piston having a minor face opposite the major surface and a secondary sealing portion. The trigger poppet and trigger piston are biased towards each other at least by the high-pressure fluid acting on the minor face, such that the high-pressure fluid is sealed from the cavity by the poppet sealing portion and primary sealing portion in sealing engagement on each other. The secondary sealing portion sealing against the housing, or part thereof, preventing release of the high-pressure fluid therefrom. The poppet sealing portion when displaced from the primary sealing portion by the external input unseals the sealing engagement and allows high pressure fluid to flow into the cavity and act on the major face causing the trigger poppet to move and unseats the secondary sealing portion from the housing, or part thereof, to allow flow of high pressure fluid to then do work, or cause work to be done.