Valve Device Piezoelectric Control Fluidic Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve devices face challenges in providing a low-delay, simple, and efficient fluidic supply to consumers, particularly in achieving quick fluidic communication and control with a compact design.

Innovation Solution

A valve device with valve cartridges and shafts that form pressure chambers, featuring electrically controllable valve means to adjust the free flow cross-section between the pressure chamber and outlet connections, allowing for rapid switching between blocking and release positions, and utilizing piezoelectric bending transducers for precise control, enabling efficient fluidic control with a compact and cost-effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional valve devices are used, then fluidic control is achieved, but the response delay is high and the structure is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidic response delayVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve device is divided into multiple valve modules, each handling specific fluid control tasks. Each valve module contains separate valve cartridges for different functions (e.g., supply valve, vent valve), allowing independent operation and reducing overall system response delay while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms are replaced with electrically controllable valve means. The valve cartridges use electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuators that directly control the valve elements, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and reducing response time while simplifying the overall mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If compact valve design is implemented, then space is reduced, but fluidic communication speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve device volumeVSAvoidfluidic communication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The valve modules are arranged in a stacked configuration along the vertical axis, utilizing the third dimension to achieve compactness. The fluid channels are designed with optimized three-dimensional paths that maintain short flow lengths despite the compact footprint, ensuring rapid fluidic communication while minimizing device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Valve cartridges are nested within valve modules, with multiple valve elements housed within compact cartridge assemblies. The valve shafts and sealing elements are integrated in a nested manner that maximizes space utilization while maintaining adequate flow passages for high-speed fluidic communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple valve cartridge design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but pressure containment capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve cartridge manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpressure chamber sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve cartridge design merges the cartridge body with the valve shaft functionality. The valve shaft itself serves as both the actuating element and the pressure-containing component, eliminating the need for separate cartridge housings. This integration simplifies manufacturing while maintaining pressure containment through the precisely fitted valve shaft and its sealing surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing elements act as intermediaries between the simple valve cartridge structure and the pressure chamber. These seals are strategically positioned at critical interfaces (e.g., between valve cartridge and valve module, at valve seats) to ensure pressure containment without requiring complex cartridge designs. The seals mediate between structural simplicity and pressure integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables rapid and precise fluidic control with minimal structural complexity, allowing for efficient fluid supply and discharge, achieving low delay and high reliability in fluidic operations.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing piezoelectric bending transducers for precise control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2549125B1Valve device

Publication Date: 2016.12.28 FESTO AG & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve device for influencing a fluid supply of fluidically operated consumers, comprising a valve module (2) that includes a valve housing (4) in which valve shafts (33) for receiving valve cartridges (32) are formed, and with valve cartridges (32) that are arranged in the valve shafts (33), wherein the valve shafts (33) together with the valve cartridges (32) received therein each define a pressure chamber (97) which is in fluidically communicating connection with an associated inlet port (42, 100) and wherein the valve cartridges (32) each comprise two electrically controllable valve means (75), each configured to influence a free flow cross-section between the pressure chamber (97) and an outlet port (44, 45) associated with the respective valve means (75).