Diaphragm Solenoid Valve with Support Ring for Lower Magnet Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid valves face challenges with large media-contacted diaphragm surfaces, leading to high forces on the actuator, necessitating strong electromagnets, increased installation space, and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve design featuring a support ring that moves in conjunction with the actuator, providing an idle travel and additional closing force, allowing a smaller electromagnet to be used by optimizing magnetic force utilization and reducing the actuator's required force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large media-contacted diaphragm surface is used to seal the valve seat, then the valve can handle higher fluid pressures, but the force transmitted to the actuator increases, requiring a stronger electromagnet with larger installation space and higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The closing force function is segmented between two independent components: the actuator and the support ring. The support ring is mounted separately on the valve body and provides a portion of the closing force through its own closing spring, while the actuator provides the remaining force. This segmentation allows the electromagnet to be smaller and consume less energy while still achieving the required total closing force on the diaphragm.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring acts as an intermediary component that introduces an additional closing force into the system independently of the actuator. By mounting the support ring on the valve body with its own closing spring, it mediates the force application to the diaphragm, reducing the burden on the electromagnet and allowing for lower energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a strong electromagnet is used to overcome the high force on the actuator, then the valve can remain reliably closed at high fluid pressures, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing force function is segmented between two independent parts: the actuator and the support ring. The support ring with its closing spring handles a portion of the sealing force requirement, allowing the electromagnet to be smaller while maintaining reliable valve closing at high pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring serves as an intermediary that provides additional closing force independently of the electromagnet. This intermediary component reduces the size requirements for the electromagnet while ensuring the valve remains reliably closed under high fluid pressure conditions.
3Device complexity
If the actuator directly moves the diaphragm without a support ring, then the structure is simpler, but the electromagnet must work harder and consume more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the valve body and the diaphragm. It provides an additional closing force through its own closing spring, which reduces the energy consumption of the electromagnet. Although this adds a component to the structure, the overall complexity remains manageable while achieving significant energy savings.
4Force
If the diaphragm is allowed to expand freely under fluid pressure, then the valve can handle higher pressures, but material fatigue occurs more quickly and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring provides localized support to the diaphragm at a specific position on its media-contacted surface. This local reinforcement does not restrict the overall pressure handling capability of the diaphragm but prevents excessive expansion and material fatigue, thereby extending the service life of the diaphragm while maintaining the ability to handle high fluid pressures.
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
The design achieves a compact and energy-efficient solenoid valve capable of handling higher fluid pressures with a smaller electromagnet, extending diaphragm service life, and reducing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
a valve drive (16) which includes an electromagnet (18)
Implementation Method 2
the actuator (28) and the support ring (34) are each acted upon with a spring force toward the valve seat (20) by means of a spring (36, 38)
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid valve has a valve drive which includes an electromagnet, an actuator coupled to a diaphragm mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position by the valve drive, a fluid housing having a valve seat, wherein a fluid channel extends in the fluid housing from a first fluid connection to the valve seat and, proceeding from the valve seat, to a second fluid connection, and the diaphragm which cooperates with the valve seat. A support ring surrounds the actuator and rests against the diaphragm. An entrainment geometry is provided between the support ring and the actuator.