Non-contact Tube Flow Control via Loop Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for controlling fluid flow in tubes, such as valves and clamp mechanisms, risk contaminating contents, exert excessive load on tubes, and are not suitable for high-intensity pressurized fluid applications, while also obstructing flow and being difficult to operate efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a movable part to create a bent in the tube without direct contact, utilizing mechanical, electromagnetic, or manual forces, with adjustable positions and a detection system for automatic operation, allowing for non-contact fluid control and easy replacement of tubes, and incorporating a pinch valve for leakage prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve is installed within a tube to control fluid flow, then the flow control function is improved, but the risk of contaminating food or medicines in the tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the valve mechanism from the tube interior and relocates it to the exterior. The tube is guided to pass through a valve body, with the valve seat positioned outside the tube. This extraction eliminates direct contact between the valve and fluid contents, preventing contamination while maintaining flow control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a clamp mechanism is used to stop fluid flow in a tube, then the flow stopping function is improved, but the tube may be damaged due to excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a specific looped configuration of the tube at a designated position, rather than applying clamping force along the entire tube. The valve body locally guides the tube to form a loop, concentrating the structural modification only where needed. This localized approach allows flow control without distributing excessive load that could damage the tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes curvature by forming a looped configuration of the tube instead of using a straight tube. The tube is guided to pass through the valve body in a curved path, creating a loop that provides mechanical advantage for flow control. This curved configuration reduces the force required to control flow compared to linear clamp mechanisms.
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 device effectively stops and starts fluid flow in high-pressure tubes with minimal load and maintains flow integrity, preventing contamination and leakage, while allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance, and is adaptable to various fluid types and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a movable part 4 pressing the looped configuration of the tube 1. The movable part 4 presses the tube 1 in the looped configuration to make a bent 2 on the tube 1
Implementation Method 2
an electromotive force generated from an electromagnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A device for stopping a flow of fluid in a fixed length of tube with an actuator simple in construction is provided. The stopping device is free of direct touch with the fluid inside the tube, expected not to obstruct the flow in the tube as permitted as possible at normal condition, expected to perform both detection and control with a single device, and further invulnerable to kinds of fluids. The device for stopping a flow of fluid includes a tube holder to keep a tube in looped configuration, a movable part pressing the looped configuration of the tube. Pressing of the looped configuration of the tube make a snapped bent to stop the flow of fluid passed through the tube. Putting the movable part back into place results in the tube's returning from the configuration having the bent, allowing the fluid flowing again through the tube.