Compact Double Solenoid Valve With Shared Iron Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in creating compact solenoid valves is exacerbated by manufacturing tolerances, which decrease actuating forces and complicate miniaturization, as well as the difficulty in reducing space for fluidic and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A double solenoid valve design with two separately controllable coils sharing a common iron circuit, a membrane, and a flange housing with two valve seats, allowing for three switch positions, and using a common ground connection and separate positive connections for each coil to achieve a compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the valve is made more compact, then the structural volume is reduced, but the actuating forces decrease sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate electromagnetic actuators into a single integrated actuator unit with a common iron circuit shared between both coils. This merging allows the valve to maintain compact dimensions while the shared magnetic circuit preserves sufficient actuating force by eliminating redundant magnetic path components that would otherwise be present in two separate actuators.
2Volume of moving object
If the valve is made more compact, then the structural volume is reduced, but manufacturing tolerances become more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator design with a common iron circuit reduces the total number of components and assembly steps. By merging the magnetic circuits and using a shared membrane structure, the patent reduces the accumulation of manufacturing tolerances that would occur with two separate actuators, thereby making the compact design more manufacturable.
3Volume of moving object
If the valve is made more compact, then the structural volume is reduced, but the space for fluidic and electrical connections cannot be significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the two valve ports and their corresponding coils in a planar configuration around a central common iron circuit. This spatial arrangement in two dimensions allows the fluidic connections and electrical wiring to be routed efficiently without requiring excessive axial or radial space, thereby achieving compactness while accommodating necessary connection interfaces.
4Device complexity
If two separate valves are combined into one, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing tolerances of components must be reduced at great expense
Solution Approach 1:
The common iron circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the magnetic circuit for both coils, provides structural support for the integrated actuator, and defines the mounting geometry for both valve seats. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while avoiding the need for extremely tight tolerances on individual features.
5Ease of manufacture
If the membrane is made in one piece, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and tolerances are avoided, but the geometric adaptation to boundary conditions becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the single-piece membrane with optimized thickness variations and geometric features that allow it to flex and adapt to the boundary conditions imposed by the two adjacent coils and valve seats. The membrane incorporates regions of different stiffness through controlled thickness changes, enabling it to accommodate the required shapes while remaining a single manufactured component.
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 design results in a compact, cost-effective solenoid valve with reduced manufacturing tolerances, enabling quick response and minimal material usage while maintaining fluid and electrical compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator (1a, 1b; 11) is provided in the valve housing (5) which has two coils (1a, 1b) with a common iron circuit (2)
Implementation Method 2
a membrane (6) is provided which separates the electromagnetic actuator (1a, 1b; 11) from the fluid side of the valve
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a double valve, having two inductors (1a, 1b) which can be controlled independently of each other and which each have a core (3a, 3b), having a common valve housing (5, 7) in which the inductors (3a, 3b) are arranged, having a flange housing (4) which is attached to the valve housing (5, 7) and in which two valve seats (10a, 10b) are arranged, and having a membrane (6) assigned to the two valve seats (10a, 10b). Each inductor (3a, 3b) is assigned to a valve seat (10a, 10b).