Actuating Magnet Material Accumulation for Compact Valve Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Actuating magnets used in valve control applications face a challenge in achieving high magnetic force while maintaining compact dimensions, as the limited ferromagnetic material in the magnet housing restricts the magnetic force available for valve control, especially in densely packed valve blocks where the distance between valves is small.

Innovation Solution

The magnet housing design features a flange plate with diametrically opposite web-like fastening parts and material accumulations along the actuation axis, increasing the magnetic force without expanding the assembly width, achieved by redistributing material within the housing to enhance the magnetic iron circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the actuating magnet is designed with compact dimensions to achieve high packing density in valve blocks, then the assembly width is reduced, but the magnetic force is limited due to reduced ferromagnetic material in the magnet housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly widthVSAvoidmagnetic force
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating material accumulations at specific locations within the magnet housing jacket rather than uniformly distributing material. The jacket has increased wall thickness in regions that form the magnetic iron circuit, particularly where material accumulations are provided. This localized thickening concentrates ferromagnetic material where it most effectively enhances magnetic force while maintaining compact overall dimensions and high packing density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional cross-sectional view to a three-dimensional solution. The material accumulations extend along the longitudinal extension of the jacket, creating elongated structures that increase magnetic force without increasing the assembly width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal extension. This dimensional approach allows the magnetic iron circuit to be enhanced along the length of the magnet while maintaining compact transverse dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If material accumulations are added to increase magnetic force, then the magnetic iron circuit is enhanced, but the external dimensions may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic forceVSAvoidassembly width
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The material accumulations are strategically positioned within the jacket at locations that enhance the magnetic iron circuit without protruding beyond the overall external dimensions. The accumulations are formed by increasing wall thickness in specific regions rather than adding external extensions, ensuring that the assembly width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal extension remains unchanged while magnetic force is enhanced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The solution exploits the longitudinal dimension of the magnet housing to accommodate material accumulations. By extending the accumulations along the longitudinal axis rather than increasing the transverse assembly width, the patent enhances magnetic force while maintaining compact external dimensions suitable for high packing density applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design allows for a compact actuating magnet with increased magnetic force, ensuring safe valve actuation and high packing density without increasing assembly width, thus enabling efficient and cost-effective manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

at least one coil body arranged in the magnet housing, which when energized moves a magnet armature at least in one direction along an actuating axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the jacket of the magnet housing has a material accumulation at at least one point along its longitudinal extension parallel to the actuation axis and seen in cross section, which deviates from the rest of the material distribution in the jacket of the magnet housing. The additional material made available for the return flow through the magnet housing, which forms part of the magnetic iron circuit, leads to an increase in the effective magnetic force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3514423B1Actuation magnet
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 HYDAC FLUITECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3514423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514423B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An actuating magnet with a magnet housing (2) having a sheath (4) and with at least one coil body (20) arranged in the magnet housing (2), which, when energized, moves a magnetic armature (50) at least in one direction along an actuating axis (12), wherein the sheath (4) of the magnet housing (2) has, along its longitudinal extent parallel to the actuating axis (12) and in cross-section, at least one location a material accumulation (70) which differs from the other material distribution in the sheath (4) of the magnet housing (2).