Discharge Valve Signal Modulation for Lower Holding Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application devices with electromagnetically operated discharge valves consume more current than necessary, leading to higher energy costs and unwanted heat effects on the flowable medium, as they lack distinction between opening and holding currents.
Innovation Solution
A modification unit is introduced between the main control unit and the discharge valve to modify output voltage signals, allowing for a distinction between opening and holding currents, reducing current consumption and heat generation by using a series-connected arrangement to relay modified signals to the electromagnet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a periodic voltage signal with constant amplitude is transmitted to the electromagnet, then the closure member is reliably moved to the open position and maintained therein, but the current consumption is higher than necessary since the holding current is smaller than the opening current
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage signal is made dynamic by varying its amplitude over time. The control unit transmits a voltage signal that starts with a higher amplitude to move the closure member to the open position, then reduces to a lower amplitude to maintain the open position. This dynamic adjustment of voltage amplitude allows the electromagnet to consume less energy during the holding phase while ensuring reliable positioning throughout the operation.
2Reliability
If higher current is supplied to the electromagnet to ensure reliable opening movement, then the closure member is reliably moved to the open position, but unwanted heat effects occur on the flowable medium
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit transmits a time-varying voltage signal that applies higher current only during the brief period needed for opening movement, then reduces current for the holding phase. This periodic modulation of current ensures that the high current required for reliable opening is applied only when necessary, minimizing the duration of heat generation and thus reducing unwanted heat effects on the flowable medium while maintaining reliable opening movement.
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 solution reduces current consumption and waste heat, improving the efficiency of the application device and maintaining the flowable medium's properties, such as viscosity, during application.
Implementation Method 1
the closure member is movable by an electromagnet of the discharge valve from a closing position, in which it closes the metering opening, to an open position
Data Source
AI summary
An application device for applying a flowable medium onto a substrate, having a discharge valve having a closure member which, in its open position, releases a metering opening of the discharge valve, such that the flowable medium can flow through the metering opening in the direction of the substrate, wherein the closure member is movable by an electromagnet of the discharge valve from a closing position, in which it closes the metering opening, to an open position, and having a main control unit, which is connected to the discharge valve, and which delivers electrical output voltage signals which moves and maintains the closure member to the open position. A modification unit is arranged between the main control unit and the discharge valve, which is configured such it receives output voltage signals from the main control unit, modifies these signals and relays the latter in a modified form to the electromagnet.