Bus-Controlled Latching Solenoid for Automotive Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid designs, particularly in automotive applications, require continuous electrical power to maintain the activated position, and lack efficient control mechanisms for individual addressing and operation via vehicle buses.
Innovation Solution
A latching solenoid design with a solenoid controller that receives messages from a vehicle bus, allowing for individual addressing and control, using a device identifier to determine intended messages and output control signals for momentary energization of the coil between latch and rest positions without de-energization movement, and optionally utilizing a switching component and power supply circuit for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous electrical power is supplied to maintain the activated position, then the solenoid remains in the activated state, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid uses momentary periodic energization pulses to transition between states, rather than continuous power supply. The controller sends brief energization signals only when state changes are needed, and the latching mechanism maintains the activated position without ongoing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching solenoid mechanism is self-maintaining in the activated position through its internal latching structure. Once activated by a momentary pulse, the mechanism locks itself in the activated state without requiring external power continuation, serving itself to maintain the position.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated conductor from the central control unit to each solenoid is used, then the solenoid can be controlled, but the wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle bus serves multiple functions: it provides both communication messaging and power delivery to the solenoids. The same bus infrastructure used for data transmission between control units is also used to deliver energization signals and power, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control conductors for each solenoid.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal path and power delivery path are merged into a single vehicle bus system. Instead of having separate wiring harnesses for communication and power, the invention combines both functions into the existing bus infrastructure, reducing overall wiring complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple solenoids are controlled individually through the vehicle bus, then precise control is achieved, but the control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each solenoid unit includes its own controller that autonomously monitors the vehicle bus for messages addressed to it and independently executes the appropriate energization actions. The solenoid controllers self-manage the control logic, eliminating the need for a complex centralized control mechanism to individually address each solenoid.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent solenoid controller units, each capable of autonomous operation. Instead of one complex centralized controller managing all solenoids, the system divides control functions across multiple simple, independent units that each handle their own addressing and activation based on bus messages.
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
Enables efficient, bus-controlled operation of multiple solenoids with reduced power consumption by maintaining the activated state without continuous power and allowing for precise control through the vehicle bus, enhancing automotive system management.
Implementation Method 1
the coil of wire produces a magnetic field within the coil of wire when it is electrically energized
Implementation Method 2
When the coil of wire is energized by applying an electrical current across the coil, the armature moves
Data Source
AI summary
A latching solenoid (100, 200, 300) includes a coil (114) and an armature (120). The armature (120) moves between latch position and a rest position in response to momentary energization of the coil (114) without moving in response to de-energization of the coil (114). A solenoid controller (140) is operable to receive messages from a vehicle bus (108, 410) and output control signals that cause energization of the coil (114).