Double-Solenoid Valve Remote Control for Low Battery Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid valves operated via wireless connections consume significant power, leading to battery depletion and high power consumption, making long-term operation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with a double solenoid valve configuration, where the valve element remains in a predetermined position after energization, reducing the need for continuous power and incorporating bidirectional wireless communication for efficient energy management and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless electrical connection is used to supply drive signals to the solenoid valve, then the operation flexibility is improved, but the battery consumption increases and operation duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a double solenoid valve where solenoids are energized only during valve switching operations rather than continuously. The control unit energizes solenoids S1 and S2 periodically only when position changes are required, allowing the valve element to maintain its position passively between operations, thereby significantly reducing battery consumption while preserving wireless operation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from continuous energization to intermittent energization. By modifying the control strategy to energize solenoids only during necessary position transitions and not during idle periods, the system achieves lower average power consumption while maintaining the same operational capabilities through wireless control
2Reliability
If continuous solenoid energization is used to maintain valve position, then the valve control reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the continuous power requirement from the valve position maintenance function. By using a double solenoid configuration where one solenoid can counterbalance the other, the system removes the need for continuous energization to maintain position, requiring power only during position transitions, thus achieving both reliability and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element in the double solenoid configuration serves itself to maintain position through mechanical balance between the two solenoids. When both solenoids are de-energized, the valve element remains in its current position due to the balanced forces, eliminating the need for continuous external power input while maintaining positional stability
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 solution allows for extended operation of solenoid valves by minimizing power consumption, enabling longer battery life and reliable remote control of objects with reduced energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a valve element moves to a predetermined position when solenoids are energized
Implementation Method 2
configured to be operated by electric power supplied by a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control unit of a remote control device wirelessly transmits a first instruction signal or a second instruction signal instructing to operate a solenoid valve, to a solenoid valve control unit. The solenoid valve control unit receives the first instruction signal or the second instruction signal and generates a first drive signal or a second drive signal on the basis of the received first instruction signal or the received second instruction signal, respectively. The solenoid valve is of a double solenoid type, and includes a first solenoid to which the first drive signal is supplied and a second solenoid to which the second drive signal is supplied.