Valve Actuating Member Controls Electronic Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing taps for pressurized fluid systems face challenges in reliability, safety, and electrical consumption, which affect their autonomy and operational efficiency, particularly due to inadequate mechanical and electronic element integration and high power usage.

Innovation Solution

The tap features a movable actuating member that controls a flow control valve and an electronic switch, allowing for mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuation, incorporating elements like wireless communication devices, sensors, and microprocessors, with a magnetic switch mechanism to manage power supply based on fluid circuit states, optimizing fluid and electrical operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic measuring and communication devices are integrated into the valve, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electronic components (sensor, microprocessor, wireless communication device, light source) into an integrated electronic unit that is housed within a single valve body. This merging approach allows the valve to perform multiple functions (measurement, processing, communication, indication) without proportionally increasing complexity, as the components share common infrastructure such as power supply and housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs fluid flow control, pressure/temperature sensing, data processing, wireless communication, and visual indication. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate components, improving functionality while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electronic functional members are continuously powered, then operational reliability is improved, but electrical consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using a magnetic switch mechanism that periodically activates electronic functional members based on fluid flow detection. When fluid flows through the valve, the magnetic field changes state, which triggers the microprocessor to activate electronic components (such as the light source or wireless communication device) only during relevant operational periods, rather than keeping them continuously powered. This periodic activation maintains operational reliability when needed while significantly reducing overall electrical consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve incorporates a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors fluid parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) and provides this information to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then uses this feedback to intelligently control the activation of electronic functional members, activating them only when fluid flow conditions warrant their use. This feedback-based control ensures reliability during active operation while minimizing electrical consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 design enhances the reliability, safety, and ergonomics of the tap by adapting electrical consumption to fluid operation, improving autonomy and reducing power usage by switching electronic components on and off based on fluid flow states.

Implementation Method 1

the switch being magnetic and movable in at least two distinct states

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3299694B1Valve for a pressurised fluid, and cylinder comprising such a valve
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP3299694B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3299694B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A pressurized fluid valve comprising a body (2) housing a fluid circuit (3) having an upstream end (4) and a downstream end (5), the circuit (3) comprising a flow control element (6) within the circuit (3), the flow control element (6) being controlled by an actuating element (7) movable relative to the body (2), the actuating element (7) being movably mounted on the body (2) of the valve (1) between a rest position and a second active position, the valve (1) comprising at least one electronic functional element (10, 11) and a control switch (8) for at least one electronic functional element (10, 11), the switch (8) being movable in at least two distinct states, characterized in that the actuating element (7) is configured to move the switch (8) from a first state to a second state when it moves into at least one of the following positions: its rest position, its active position,or an intermediate position between these two positions