Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a valve for regulating a fluid flow. In particular, the present disclosure related to a valve with a flexible element.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] In a channel adapted for flow of liquids, such as oils, fuel, gas, etc., generally, an inlet is provided, which receives the fluid, and then a valve is provided to control flow of the fluid from the inlet and into the channel.
[0004] Further, especially in cases of combustible gases, there are limitations such as an amount of electricity that may be permissible in a vicinity of the channel.
[0005] Most conventional valves are expensive and complex, resulting in high cost of maintenance.
[0006] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art for a means to regulate fluid flow rate in a channel that is accurate, and economical.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a valve with a flexible element to regulate a rate of flow of a fluid in a channel.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve that can be accurately controlled.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve that is economical.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve that is easy to maintain.

SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure generally relates to a valve for regulating a fluid flow. In particular, the present disclosure related to a flexible valve.
[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a valve to regulate flow rate of a fluid. The valve includes a flexible PCB acting as a flow control component to controllably block path of the fluid, wherein said flexible PCB is in a first position. The valve further includes at least one magnet in proximity to the flexible PCB. The valve further includes an electronic control unit operatively coupled to the flexible PCB and configured to supply a current to the flexible PCB such that, when the current is applied to the flexible PCB, a magnetic field is generated and the flexible PCB is displaced with respect to the magnet, away from the first position so as to allow a flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0013] In some embodiments, the fluid is any or a combination of gas or liquid.
[0014] In some embodiments, back face of the flexible PCB is attached to a stiffener, and wherein the flexible PCB has inherent stiffness to possess a spring action.
[0015] In some embodiments, a strain gauge is inbuilt in the flexible PCB, wherein the strain gauge is configured to detect a displacement of the flexible PCB.
[0016] In some embodiments, the magnet is configured behind a seal that is configured between the flexible PCB and the magnet. When the current is applied to the flexible PCB, the magnetic field generated in the flexible PCB causes the flexible PCB to be repelled from the magnet, away from the first position of the flexible PCB so as to allow the flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0017] In some embodiments, the magnet is configured downstream of the flexible PCB. When the current is applied to the flexible PCB, the magnetic field generated in the flexible PCB causes the flexible PCB to be attracted towards the magnet, away from the first position of the flexible PCB so as to allow the flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0018] In some embodiments, for starting flow of the fluid, small amount of current is applied to the flexible PCB, and in order to increase the flow rate, the current is increased proportionally or in a pre-determined behaviour.
[0019] In some embodiments, the ECU includes a current is applied using a power supply unit configured to supply the current, the power supply unit operatively coupled to the valve and operable by a controller.
[0020] In some embodiments, the power supply unit is connected with the valve or with the flexible PCB using a connector.
[0021] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method to regulate flow rate of a fluid. The method includes configuring a flexible PCB to act as a flow control component to controllably block path of the fluid, wherein said flexible PCB is in a first position. The method further includes positioning at least one magnet in proximity to the flexible PCB. The method further includes supplying to the flexible PCB, via an electronic control unit, a current such that, when current is applied to the flexible PCB, magnetic field is generated and the flexible PCB is displaced with respect to the magnet, away from the first position so as to allow flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0022] In some embodiments, for starting flow of the fluid, small amount of current is applied to the flexible PCB, and in order to increase the flow rate, the current is increased proportionally or in a pre-determined behaviour.
[0023] In some embodiments, the ECU includes a current is applied using a power supply unit configured to supply the current, the power supply unit operatively coupled to the valve and operable by a controller.
[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate schematic side view representations of a valve disposed in a channel adapted for flow of a fluid therethrough, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIGs. 1C and 1D illustrate schematic side view representations of a valve disposed in a channel adapted for flow of a fluid therethrough, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic flow diagram for a method to regulate flow rate of a fluid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a valve to regulate flow rate of a fluid. The valve includes a flexible PCB acting as a flow control component to controllably block path of the fluid, wherein said flexible PCB is in a first position. The valve further includes at least one magnet in proximity to the flexible PCB. The valve further includes an electronic control unit operatively coupled to the flexible PCB and configured to supply a current to the flexible PCB such that, when the current is applied to the flexible PCB, a magnetic field is generated and the flexible PCB is displaced with respect to the magnet, away from the first position so as to allow a flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0031] In some embodiments, the fluid is any or a combination of gas or liquid.
[0032] In some embodiments, back face of the flexible PCB is attached to a stiffener, and wherein the flexible PCB has inherent stiffness to possess a spring action.
[0033] In some embodiments, a strain gauge is inbuilt in the flexible PCB, wherein the strain gauge is configured to detect a displacement of the flexible PCB.
[0034] In some embodiments, the magnet is configured behind a seal that is configured between the flexible PCB and the magnet. When the current is applied to the flexible PCB, the magnetic field generated in the flexible PCB causes the flexible PCB to be repelled from the magnet, away from the first position of the flexible PCB so as to allow the flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0035] In some embodiments, the magnet is configured downstream of the flexible PCB. When the current is applied to the flexible PCB, the magnetic field generated in the flexible PCB causes the flexible PCB to be attracted towards the magnet, away from the first position of the flexible PCB so as to allow the flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0036] In some embodiments, for starting flow of the fluid, small amount of current is applied to the flexible PCB, and in order to increase the flow rate, the current is increased proportionally or in a pre-determined behaviour.
[0037] In some embodiments, the ECU includes a current is applied using a power supply unit configured to supply the current, the power supply unit operatively coupled to the valve and operable by a controller.
[0038] In some embodiments, the power supply unit is connected with the valve or with the flexible PCB using a connector.
[0039] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method to regulate flow rate of a fluid. The method includes configuring a flexible PCB to act as a flow control component to controllably block path of the fluid, wherein said flexible PCB is in a first position. The method further includes positioning at least one magnet in proximity to the flexible PCB. The method further includes supplying to the flexible PCB, via an electronic control unit, a current such that, when current is applied to the flexible PCB, magnetic field is generated and the flexible PCB is displaced with respect to the magnet, away from the first position so as to allow flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0040] In some embodiments, for starting flow of the fluid, small amount of current is applied to the flexible PCB, and in order to increase the flow rate, the current is increased proportionally or in a pre-determined behaviour.
[0041] In some embodiments, the ECU includes a current is applied using a power supply unit configured to supply the current, the power supply unit operatively coupled to the valve and operable by a controller.
[0042] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate schematic side view representations of a valve 100 disposed in a channel 190 adapted for flow of a fluid therethrough, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The channel 190 may have any cross-section, such as, without limitations, circular, semi-circular, and polygonal. The channel 190 may be covered or may be open. The channel 190 may be adapted to allow a fluid to flow therethrough. The fluid may be a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof. The channel 190 may include an inlet 192 adapted to receive the fluid flow and selectively allow passage of the fluid through the channel 190.
[0043] The valve 100 may be configured at the inlet 192 of the channel 190. The valve 100 includes a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 102 that is fixedly coupled to a wall of the channel 190 via a stem 104. The PCB 102 is adapted to be positioned in a path of the flow of the fluid. Specifically, the PCB 102 is adapted to be positioned at the inlet 192 of the channel 190. The PCB 102 is configured to selectively allow flow of the fluid through the inlet 192 and into the channel 190. The PCB 102 includes a coil. The stem 104 may be flexible. The stem 104 may further include a stiffener 106 configured on the stem 104. The stiffener 106 may be adapted to provide stiffness to the stem 104 to prevent wearing of the stem 104 due to excessive flexing. The stem 104 may further include a strain gauge 108 configured on the stem 104. The strain gauge 108 may be configured to detect a degree of flex in the stem 104, which may be indicative of a displacement of the PCB 102. The stem 104 may further be coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) 150. The ECU 150 may include components configured to operate the valve 100. The stem 104 may further include components that allow for operative coupling of the PCB 102 with the ECU 150.
[0044] The valve 100 further includes at least one magnet 120 disposed at the inlet 192, such that, in a closed state of the valve 100, the magnet 120 is in contact with the PCB 102 of the valve 100. When the magnet 120 is in contact with the PCB 102 of the valve 100, the PCB 102 is in a first position, and effectively closes the inlet 192, thereby restricting flow of the fluid therethrough and into the channel 190. In some embodiments, the first position of the PCB 102 may correspond to the PCB being in an upright position. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet 120 may include a plurality of magnets, adapted to provide greater adhesion of the PCB 102. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 1A and 1B, the at least one magnet 120 includes first and second magnets 120-1, 120-2.
[0045] One or more seals 122 may further be provided at the inlet 192, disposed ahead of the magnet 120, such that when the PCB 102 is in contact with the magnet 120, the seal 122 is positioned between the magnet 120 and the PCB 102. The seals 122 may serve to prevent leakage of the fluid through the inlet 192 when the valve 100 is in the closed position.
[0046] The ECU 150 may be configured to supply a current to the PCB 102, such that the coil in the PCB 102 is energized, thereby creating a magnetic field within the PCB 102. The polarity of magnetization may be such as to create a repulsion between the PCB 102 and the magnet 120. The ECU 150 may include a current sensor 152, a power supply unit 154, and a controller 156.
[0047] In a default position of the valve 100, due to an inherent stiffness of the stem 104 of the valve 100, and the magnetic attraction between the PCB 102 and the magnets 120, the valve 100 may remain in the closed position. When an electric current is supplied, via the power supply unit 154, the PCB 102 generates a magnetic field, and, due to a repulsive force generated due to the magnetic field, the PCB 102 is repelled from the magnet 120, thereby creating a gap at the inlet 192, which allows the fluid to flow therethrough into the channel 190. Based on the amount of current supplied, the magnetic field generated by the PCB 102 varies, and correspondingly, the force of repulsion between the PCB 102 and the magnets 120 also varies. The repulsion between the PCB 102 and the magnets 120 causes the PCB 102 to be displaced away from the magnet 120. The displacement of the PCB 102 is measured by the strain gauge 108. In other words, the displacement of the PCB 102 may be a measure of opening of the inlet 192 to allow flow of fluid therethrough, and thus, the opening of the inlet 192 may be indicated by the displacement of the PCB 102 as measured by the strain gauge 108. Thus, by varying a current supplied to the PCB 102, the valve 100 may be operated to allow a predefined flow rate of the fluid through the inlet 192 and into the channel 190.
[0048] FIGs. 1C and 1D illustrate schematic side view representations of a valve 100 disposed in a channel 190 adapted for flow of a fluid therethrough, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The valve 100 of FIGs. 1C and 1D is substantially similar to the valve 100 of FIGs. 1A and 1B. however, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 1C and 1D, the magnets 120-1, 120-2 are disposed downstream of the PCB 102.
[0049] The polarity of magnetization of the PCB 102 when supplied by a current may be such as to create a force of attraction between the PCB 102 and the magnet 120. When the electric current is supplied, via the power supply unit 154, the PCB 102 generates a magnetic field, and due to an attractive force generated due to the magnetic field, the PCB 102 is attracted towards the magnet 120, thereby creating a gap at the inlet 192, which allows the fluid to flow therethrough into the channel 190. Based on the amount of current supplied, the magnetic field generated by the PCB 102 varies, and correspondingly, the force of attraction between the PCB 102 and the magnets 120 also varies. The displacement of the PCB 102 may be measured by the strain gauge 108. By varying a current supplied to the PCB 102, the valve 100 may be operated to allow a predefined flow rate of the fluid through the inlet 192 and into the channel 190.
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic flow diagram for a method 200 to regulate flow rate of a fluid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 202, the method 200 includes configuring a flexible PCB 102 to act as a flow control component to controllably block path of the fluid, wherein said flexible PCB 102 is in a first position. At step 204, the method 200 further includes positioning at least one magnet 120 in proximity to the flexible PCB 102, said at least one magnet 120 being placed behind a seal 122 that is configured between the flexible PCB 102 and the magnet 120. At step 206, the method 200 further includes supplying 206 to the flexible PCB 102, via an electronic control unit 150, a current such that, when current is applied to the flexible PCB 102, magnetic field is generated and the flexible PCB 102 is repelled by the magnet 120, away from the first position so as to allow flow of the fluid therethrough.
[0051] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0052] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
[0053] The present invention provides a valve with a flexible element, to regulate a rate of flow of a fluid in a channel.
[0054] The present invention provides a valve that can be accurately controlled.
[0055] The present invention provides a valve that is economical.
[0056] The present invention provides a valve that is easy to maintain.
, Claims:1. A valve (100) to regulate flow rate of a fluid, said valve (100) comprising:
a flexible PCB (102) acting as a flow control component to controllably block path of the fluid, wherein said flexible PCB (102) is in a first position;
at least one magnet (120) configured in proximity to the flexible PCB (102); and
an electronic control unit (ECU) (150) operatively coupled to the flexible PCB (102), and configured to:
supply a current to the flexible PCB (102) such that, when the current is applied to the flexible PCB (102), a magnetic field is generated and the flexible PCB (102) is displaced with respect to the magnet (120), away from the first position so as to allow a flow of the fluid therethrough.
2. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid is any or a combination of gas and liquid.
3. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein back face of the flexible PCB (102) is attached to a stiffener (106), and wherein the flexible PCB (102) has inherent stiffness to possess a spring action.
4. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a strain gauge (108) is inbuilt in the flexible PCB (102), and wherein the strain gauge (108) is configured to detect a displacement of the flexible PCB (102).
5. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet (120) is configured behind a seal (122) that is configured between the flexible PCB (102) and the magnet (120), and wherein, when the current is applied to the flexible PCB (102), the magnetic field generated in the flexible PCB (102) causes the flexible PCB (102) to be repelled from the magnet (120), away from the first position of the flexible PCB (102) so as to allow the flow of the fluid therethrough.

6. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet (120) is configured downstream of the flexible PCB (102), and wherein, when the current is applied to the flexible PCB (102), the magnetic field generated in the flexible PCB (102) causes the flexible PCB (102) to be attracted towards the magnet (120), away from the first position of the flexible PCB (102) so as to allow the flow of the fluid therethrough.
7. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein for starting flow of the fluid, small amount of current is applied to the flexible PCB (102), and in order to increase the flow rate, the current is increased proportionally or in a pre-determined behavior.
8. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (150) comprises a power supply unit (154) configured to supply the current, the power supply unit (154) operatively coupled to the valve (100) and operable by a controller (156).
9. A method (200) to regulate flow rate of a fluid, said method (200) comprising the steps of:
configuring (202) a flexible PCB (102) to act as a flow control component to controllably block path of the fluid, wherein said flexible PCB (102) is in a first position;
positioning (204) at least one magnet (120) in proximity to the flexible PCB (102); and
supplying (206) to the flexible PCB (102), via an electronic control unit (ECU) (150), a current such that, when current is applied to the flexible PCB (102), magnetic field is generated and the flexible PCB (102) is displaced with respect to the magnet (120), away from the first position so as to allow flow of the fluid therethrough.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein for starting flow of the fluid, small amount of current is applied to the flexible PCB (102), and in order to increase the flow rate, the current is increased proportionally or in a pre-determined behavior.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ECU (150) comprises a power supply unit (154) configured to supply the current, the power supply unit (154) operatively coupled to the valve (100) and operable by a controller (156).