Two-Stage Fluid Control Valve for Leak-Free Shut-Off

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MEMS microvalves experience fluid leakage during normal operation, making them unsuitable for use in applications requiring a positive shut-off function, such as gas ranges and ovens, where precise flame and temperature control are necessary.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage fluid control valve is designed, comprising a first stage mechanical valve and a second stage microvalve, which provides a leak-free closed position and precise fluid flow control, ensuring a positive shut-off function by combining a mechanical valve with a microvalve to control fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional MEMS microvalve is used for fluid control, then precise fluid flow control is achieved, but fluid leakage occurs during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control precisionVSAvoidshut-off function

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system is divided into two independent stages: a first stage mechanical valve providing positive shut-off function and a second stage microvalve providing precise flow control. Each stage performs its specialized function independently, with the mechanical valve ensuring complete closure and the microvalve enabling precise modulation when open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first stage mechanical valve acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the second stage microvalve. It provides a leak-free closed position that prevents fluid leakage, while allowing precise flow control when opened, thereby mediating between the requirements for complete shut-off and precise modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a mechanical valve is used to achieve positive shut-off, then fluid leakage is prevented, but precise fluid flow control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshut-off functionVSAvoidfluid flow control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system is divided into two independent stages: a first stage mechanical valve providing positive shut-off function and a second stage microvalve providing precise flow control. Each stage performs its specialized function independently, with the mechanical valve ensuring complete closure and the microvalve enabling precise modulation when open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first stage mechanical valve acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the second stage microvalve. It provides a leak-free closed position that prevents fluid leakage, while allowing precise flow control when opened, thereby mediating between the requirements for complete shut-off and precise modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single-stage valve is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both positive shut-off and precise flow control is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structureVSAvoidshut-off function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve system is divided into two independent stages: a first stage mechanical valve providing positive shut-off function and a second stage microvalve providing precise flow control. Each stage performs its specialized function independently, with the mechanical valve ensuring complete closure and the microvalve enabling precise modulation when open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two-stage valve system provides multi-functionality by combining the positive shut-off capability of a mechanical valve with the precise flow control of a microvalve in a single integrated device, allowing it to perform both functions that a single-stage valve cannot achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10125988B2Two-stage fluid control valve having a first stage mechanical valve and a second stage microvalve

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 DUNAN MICROSTAQ INC

AI summary

A two-stage fluid control valve includes a first stage mechanical control valve movable between an open position and a leak-free closed position, and a second stage microvalve configured to control the flow of fluid through a fluid outlet of the two-stage fluid control valve when the first stage mechanical control valve is in the open position.