servo powered pinch valve

thingiverse

This servo controlled valve unit was created last year, but only now has time been found to upload it to this website. The valve system's operation involves three distinct valves: two for liquids and one for air. Located side by side, these liquid valves have an air valve positioned directly across from them, separating the duo of liquid valves. Whenever the servo arm swings in either direction, it affects valve function as follows: a movement towards one end will trigger opening of Liquid Valve 1; similarly, swinging to its opposing end will enable operation of Liquid Valve 2. Additionally, prior to actuating this final liquid valve, simultaneous activation of Air Valve occurs by means of opposite arm position adjustment. My implementation utilizes these components as such (each single cycle completed through a single sweeping servo action): introduction of heated liquids--> stopping the flow --> influx of air to clear hot fluids from system followed by a brief halt. The time for servo positioning and movement is tightly managed through programming utilizing Arduino's advanced interface. Heat fluid flows down conductive wire-like lengths alongside Super Muscle Actuators running parallel - an innovative alternative exhibiting notably increased power per unit mass ratio in comparison to living tissue. Even including considerable masses, comprised of mechanical apparatus like pumps, thermal energy source equipment and electrical energy supply, as well as complete setup's physical weight & ambient sound signature this project boasts impressively subdued levels or near-silent conditions achievable only upon switching to SMAs for action implementation, effectively supplanting servos or replacing their noisy output with hushed functionality. Silicone tube components were created by employing an approach combining materials. Each half was made in wood before the application of liquid moldings; next molding silicone material filled cavities; curing led followed a subsequent adhesive sealing - done securely bonding parts along lines utilizing only these silicon bonds.