Design of Reprogrammable, Rotary, Single-Actuator Mechanical Logic Valves for Fluid Diversion
Author(s)
Bessette, Jonathan T.; Burcat, Steven; Slocum, Alexander H.
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Fluid systems often require complex and plentiful valving which route a variety of input and output streams according to a system state. Many valves and actuators can create additional points of failure, maintenance, and cost. Multi-port selector valves are one solution which simplify complex configurations but are designed for a specific application. This custom design can create inflexibility and increased manufacturing cost when the user wishes to consider architectural changes or alternative applications. Modular, reconfigurable systems exist in fluid power systems (hydraulics, pneumatics), but few exist for larger, bulk flow applications. To address the issue of reconfigurability and simplicity within complex fluid valve architectures, we consider how one would design a single-actuator, reprogrammable, mechanical logic valve. We consider design requirements for such a system, various strategies and concepts, and converge on exploring the design of a multiport, rotary valve. Geometric layout and performance models are proposed and parametrically analyzed to understand the design space, trends, and tradeoffs. This work lays initial foundation and exploration of modular, mechanically reconfigurable, rotary valves. We envision this design and architectural toolbox to be metaphorically similar to common, easy-to-assemble and reconfigure, standardized materials such as 80/20, push-to-connect fittings, and even Legos - but instead, with application to valve geometries.
Description
ASME 2023 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. Boston, Massachusetts, USA. August 20–23, 2023.
Date issued
2023-08-20Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Global Engineering and Research Laboratory; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Precision Engineering Research GroupJournal
Volume 8: 47th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference (MR)
Publisher
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Citation
Bessette, JT, Burcat, S, & Slocum, AH. "Design of Reprogrammable, Rotary, Single-Actuator Mechanical Logic Valves for Fluid Diversion." Proceedings of the ASME 2023 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. Volume 8: 47th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference (MR). Boston, Massachusetts, USA. August 20–23, 2023. V008T08A085. ASME.
Version: Final published version