Double-Solenoid Valve Spool Positioning via Capacitor Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing directional control valves face a mismatch in electrical power requirements when transitioning between positions, particularly when a single-solenoid two-position valve is replaced with a double-solenoid three-position valve, as the latter requires sustained electrical energy to maintain the second position, which is not present in the single-solenoid configuration.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a double-solenoid three-position directional control valve with alternate actuation configurations, including pilot-operated and direct-acting types, where centering springs maintain the spool in positions, and stored electrical energy from a capacitor or battery is used to temporarily energize solenoids, ensuring compatibility with single-solenoid valve commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a double-solenoid three-position valve is used to replace a single-solenoid two-position valve, then the valve can provide an intermediate position for momentary isolation, but the electrical power requirements increase and become incompatible with the original single-solenoid command
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a capacitor to store electrical energy during periods when power is available, then releasing this stored energy periodically to momentarily energize the second solenoid for brief transitions to the intermediate position. This allows the valve to achieve three-position functionality without requiring continuous electrical power for both solenoids, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and increased energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-charging a capacitor during periods when the valve is in stable positions and electrical power is available. This stored energy is then utilized in advance to enable momentary energization of the second solenoid during transitions, allowing the system to achieve intermediate positioning capability without requiring sustained additional electrical power, thus resolving the power requirement contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sustained electrical energy is provided to maintain the second position in a double-solenoid valve, then the valve can maintain stable positioning, but this requirement is not compatible with single-solenoid valve commands that do not provide such energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy storage device (capacitor) that mediates between the single-solenoid command signal and the double-solenoid valve requirements. The capacitor acts as an energy buffer, converting the intermittent single-solenoid command into appropriate dual-solenoid actuation sequences, thereby enabling position stability while maintaining compatibility with original command structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic control logic that adapts the energization pattern of the second solenoid based on the operational state. The solenoid is energized only during brief transition periods when needed for intermediate positioning, and de-energized during stable position maintenance, allowing the system to achieve stability without requiring sustained electrical energy that would be incompatible with single-solenoid commands.
3Measurement precision
If the second solenoid is momentarily energized during transition between positions, then the valve can achieve precise intermediate positioning, but this requires additional electrical energy not available from single-solenoid commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by capturing and storing electrical energy during periods when it is available (when the valve is in stable positions and power is supplied), then recovering this stored energy to provide the momentary energization needed for precise intermediate positioning during transitions. This resolves the contradiction between achieving precise position control and the limited electrical energy availability from single-solenoid commands.
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 configuration allows the double-solenoid three-position valve to function with the electrical command intended for a single-solenoid two-position valve, reducing energy requirements and maintaining compatibility without altering the original electrical command, enabling efficient operation between positions.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is actuated by a pair of opposing solenoid actuators, such that energizing one solenoid while de-energizing the other moves the spool into the first position
Implementation Method 2
de-energizing the solenoid allows a return spring (or a similar return mechanism) to push the spool back to the second spool position
Implementation Method 3
stored electrical energy from a capacitor or battery is used to temporarily energize solenoids
Data Source
AI summary
A double-solenoid directional control valve comprising a valve body and a valve spool within the valve body, where the valve spool is configured to move within the valve body between a first position, a second position and a third position, where the third spool position lies between the first and second spool positions. In certain embodiments, the spool is maintained in the first and third positions by energizing at least a first or a second solenoid actuator, and where the spool is maintained in the second position by de-energizing both solenoid actuators.