Electromagnetic Pressure Relief Valve with Dual Spring Plungers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure limitation systems require multiple valves and complex connections to switch between different nominal pressure levels, increasing installation space and potential for power transmission losses.

Innovation Solution

A single electromagnetically operated pressure relief valve with two parallel springs and associated plungers allows for independent operation, enabling switching between two nominal pressure levels by energizing the electromagnet to alter the spring and plunger interaction, reducing the need for additional valves and simplifying the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressure relief valves and a directional switching valve are used to switch between different nominal pressure levels, then the required nominal pressure levels can be achieved, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenominal pressure level switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of valves and connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pressure relief valves into a single integrated valve body with multiple sealing elements (first sealing element, second sealing element) and multiple springs (first spring, second spring). This merging approach allows the single valve to provide multiple nominal pressure levels that would otherwise require separate valves and a directional switching valve, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pressure relief valve is designed with multi-functionality to perform the work of multiple valves. By incorporating multiple sealing elements that can be selectively actuated by the electromagnet, the valve can switch between different nominal pressure levels (first nominal pressure, second nominal pressure) without requiring separate valves or a directional switching valve, thus achieving universality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressure relief valves are used for nominal pressure switching, then different pressure levels can be set, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure level configurationVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple pressure relief valve functions into a single compact valve body. The first sealing element and second sealing element are integrated within the same valve housing, along with their respective springs and the common electromagnet actuator. This integration dramatically reduces the installation space compared to using separate valves, while still providing the capability to switch between different pressure levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve structure employs a nested arrangement where the first sealing element and second sealing element are positioned concentrically or in close proximity within the valve body. The electromagnet actuator serves both sealing elements through a unified plunger mechanism, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes the overall footprint and installation space while maintaining multiple pressure level capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a directional switching valve is added to switch between pressure levels, then nominal pressure switching is enabled, but the device complexity and potential for power transmission losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure level switchingVSAvoidvalve interconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for a separate directional switching valve by integrating the switching function directly into the pressure relief valve body. The electromagnet's plunger is designed to directly actuate the first sealing element and second sealing element, removing the intermediary directional switching valve and its associated complex interconnections, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining pressure level switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate valves are used, then pressure limitation functionality is achieved, but power transmission losses occur due to additional connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control capabilityVSAvoidpower transmission losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple pressure control functions into a single valve body with direct electromagnet actuation of the sealing elements, the patent eliminates the need for additional hydraulic or pneumatic connections that would be required with separate valves. This direct actuation reduces the number of fluid pathways and connection points, thereby minimizing power transmission losses while maintaining full pressure control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the integration of pressure limitation systems, reduces installation space, and eliminates power transmission losses by allowing independent operation of each plunger, enabling efficient switching between nominal pressure levels with a single valve.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electromagnetically actuated pressure limitation valve (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The spring arrangement, with which the passage of the valve is closed when the pressure falls below a nominal pressure specified by the consumer, comprises at least two springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the sealing element (7) acts on the passage (17) between the inlet and outlet (2) of the valve (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical sealing: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP1916460B1Assembly for pressure limitation with nominal pressure change and electromagnetically actuated pressure limitation valve
Publication Date: 2009.01.07 THOMAS MAGNETE GMBH
  • EP1916460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1916460B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The electromagnetic pressure limit valve (1), for a hydraulic/pneumatic system, has a cylindrical pressure spring assembly (5,6) to hold the armature piston (10) against a lifting movement to close the inflow and outflow (2) under normal conditions. The spring assembly has a push rod (3,4) at each spring. When the magnet (8) is energized, a spring (5) is moved away from the seal (7) and the other spring (6) acts on the seal with a lower nominal pressure.