Electrically Operated Valve Waterproof Membrane Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically operated valves in high humidity environments face condensation issues due to temperature changes, which can damage the circuit board assembly and complicate the assembly process with complex sealing requirements.
Innovation Solution
The electrically operated valve incorporates a waterproof and breathable membrane with a communication passage that allows gas exchange while preventing water entry, and uses press-fit pins for the circuit board assembly to eliminate welding and reduce corrosion risks, along with a modular housing design for simplified assembly and improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the box body is hermetic to protect the circuit board assembly, then protection against water entry is improved, but condensation occurs due to temperature changes and high humidity, worsening the working environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a waterproof and breathable membrane (a flexible thin film) on the box body. This membrane allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water, preventing condensation accumulation inside the hermetic box body while maintaining protection against water entry. The membrane integrates both sealing and anti-condensation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the hermetic box body with a waterproof and breathable membrane. This composite material system provides both hermetic sealing properties and moisture vapor transmission capabilities, resolving the contradiction between water protection and condensation prevention.
2Reliability
If the circuit board assembly is connected to the box body by welding or threading to ensure sealing, then sealing is improved, but the assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical welding or threading connection system with a snap-fit mechanical connection system. The circuit board assembly includes positioning protrusions that engage with corresponding grooves on the box body, providing both sealing and mechanical connection through a simple snap-fit action, eliminating complex welding or threading processes.
3Reliability
If the box body is made hermetic to prevent corrosion, then protection against corrosion is improved, but the working environment for the circuit board assembly deteriorates due to condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof and breathable membrane serves as a flexible thin film that maintains hermetic sealing against liquid water (preventing corrosion) while allowing water vapor to escape through the membrane, preventing condensation buildup and maintaining a favorable working environment for the circuit board assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof and breathable membrane acts as an intermediary between the hermetic box body interior and the external environment. It mediates the conflict between needing hermetic sealing for corrosion protection and needing moisture vapor transmission to prevent condensation, allowing selective passage of molecules based on size and state.
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 solution effectively prevents condensation damage to the circuit board assembly, simplifies the assembly process, and enhances the reliability and stability of the valve by maintaining a dry environment and reducing the need for soldering.
Implementation Method 1
the cavity is configured to communicate with gas outside the box body through the ventilation portion and the communication passage, such that water outside the box body is not able to enter the cavity through the waterproof and breathable membrane
Implementation Method 2
The fixed connection portion is fixed to the box body by hot-pressing, welding or fixing glue
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated valve includes a rotor, a stator assembly, a sleeve, a valve assembly, a box body, a circuit board assembly, and a valve port. The stator assembly is disposed outside the rotor, and the stator assembly includes a coil assembly. The sleeve is configured to isolate the stator assembly from the rotor. The valve assembly includes a spool. The box body has a cavity, and the circuit board assembly is accommodated in the cavity. The rotor is configured to drive the spool to move close to or away from the valve port.