Conventional two-way valves (used to control the direction of fluid flow) are either expensive, complex, or limited.
- Electromagnetic/mechanical valves need outside power and extra piping.
- Manual valves are cheap but slow, require someone on site, and can’t be operated in groups.
- Pressure-driven valves only work within narrow pressure ranges, failing if pressure differences are too high.
Core Features
This invention introduces a push-push two-way valve:
- Built from a simple valve body, valve core, guiding grooves, and springs.
- Uses a sliding mechanism that locks into multiple positions, letting the valve easily switch between sealed, forward flow, or reverse flow.
- Can be combined into a fluid charging and discharging system where a central controller directs multiple valves at once.
The Inventive Step
The novelty lies in the push-push structure: instead of relying on power-hungry external systems or unstable pressure conditions, the valve’s own mechanical design—springs and guiding grooves—lets it shift states reliably with small applied forces. This makes the system both low-cost and versatile.
Tangible Benefits
- Simple, durable, and inexpensive compared to electromagnetic or pressure-based designs.
- Efficient and scalable: multiple valves can be controlled from one device, improving independence of fluid storage units.
- Reliable performance even when pressure differences fluctuate widely.
- Low maintenance and low failure rate, reducing downtime and costs.
Broader Impact
This design makes it easier to build robust, modular fluid systems—whether for energy storage, industrial machinery, or everyday appliances. By lowering complexity and cost, it could improve sustainability (less material use, longer lifespans) and expand access to efficient fluid control in industries ranging from manufacturing to renewable energy.