Electromagnetic Cooling Valve With Pulsed Latching Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic valves in cooling systems require continuous electrical energy to maintain the open or closed state, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic valve design that utilizes a piston movable between positions, interacting with a valve disc through a mechanism similar to a push-button ballpoint pen, allowing for single, pulsed current actuation to open or close the valve, utilizing springs and rotary elements for force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous electrical current is applied to maintain valve state, then valve control reliability is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed electrical current instead of continuous current. The electromagnetic coil is energized only momentarily to actuate the valve to the desired position, after which the current is interrupted and the valve maintains its state through mechanical retention mechanisms (springs, latches, or position-dependent sealing), thereby eliminating continuous energy consumption while preserving control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of continuous energy consumption into a beneficial mechanism by using the electromagnetic force only when needed for actuation, then allowing mechanical forces (springs, latches) to maintain the valve state. The electrical energy is used purposefully for state transitions rather than continuous maintenance, transforming the problem of energy consumption into an efficient actuation strategy.
2Device complexity
If simple electromagnetic coil actuation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to maintain valve state without continuous energy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by integrating multiple functional elements within the valve assembly: the electromagnetic coil is nested within the valve body, springs are nested within the actuation mechanism, and latches are integrated into the piston or valve disc structure. This nested arrangement allows complex functionality (pulsed actuation with state retention) to be achieved within a compact structure without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanical elements (springs, latches, position-dependent sealing surfaces) that mediate between the electromagnetic actuation and the valve disc positioning. These intermediaries retain the valve in the desired position after pulsed electromagnetic actuation, enabling state maintenance without continuous electrical energy while adding only moderate structural complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pulsed current actuation is used, then electrical energy consumption is reduced, but valve actuation mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the valve mechanism to automatically maintain its state after pulsed electromagnetic actuation without requiring continuous external energy input. The springs, latches, and position-dependent sealing surfaces are configured to self-retain the valve position through mechanical forces and geometric constraints, making the system self-sufficient for state maintenance and thereby justifying the moderate increase in actuation mechanism complexity.
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, cost-effective operation by minimizing electrical energy usage while maintaining valve control, allowing permanent opening or closing with brief current applications.
Implementation Method 1
The valve comprises an electromagnetic coil for generating a magnetic force. The valve includes a piston arranged within the electromagnetic coil and movable by means of the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromagnetic valve (10), in particular for a cooling circuit, with features of claim 1 and a cooling circuit, in particular for a vehicle, with at least one such electromagnetic valve (10).