US 12,146,582 B2
Automated bi-stable valve system and method of using the same for composite manufacturing
Shaun A. McFetridge, Melbourne (AU); David M. Bain, Melbourne (AU); Benjamin S. Zielinski, Melbourne (AU); and Conrad Sevenster, Melbourne (AU)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Oct. 6, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/495,722.
Prior Publication US 2023/0272867 A1, Aug. 31, 2023
Int. Cl. F16K 31/06 (2006.01); B25J 15/00 (2006.01); B25J 15/06 (2006.01); B26D 7/18 (2006.01); F16K 31/08 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 31/082 (2013.01) [B25J 15/0061 (2013.01); B25J 15/0625 (2013.01); B26D 7/1863 (2013.01); F16K 31/0655 (2013.01); F16K 31/0675 (2013.01); F16K 31/086 (2013.01)] 27 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An automated bi-stable valve system comprising:
a bi-stable valve mechanism comprising a plurality of bi-stable valves, wherein each of the plurality of bi-stable valves is configured to switch between a valve closed state and a valve open state; and
a control system coupled to the bi-stable valve mechanism and configured to operably control the bi-stable valve mechanism, the control system comprising:
(i) at least one traversable bridge apparatus; and
(ii) a valve switch mechanism attached to the at least one traversable bridge apparatus, and movable, via the at least one traversable bridge apparatus, over the plurality of bi-stable valves, the valve switch mechanism comprising a plurality of control actuators, wherein the plurality of bi-stable valves comprises a plurality of rows of bi-stable valves, and wherein each control actuator of the plurality of control actuators is configured to actuate one or more different rows of the plurality of rows of the plurality of bi-stable valves, and each of the plurality of control actuators correspond to the respective plurality of rows,
wherein the valve switch mechanism is configured to switch one or more of the plurality of bi-stable valves between the valve closed state and the valve open state, to allow for selective control of one or more adhesion zones on the bi-stable valve mechanism, the one or more adhesion zones corresponding to one or more adhesion areas on a surface of a material to be selectively picked up and placed during a material handling process.