Electromagnetic Valve with Armature Intermediate Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetically actuated valve devices require two valves to achieve the desired functionality, leading to increased production, control, and connection costs, as well as complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single electromagnetically driven armature unit with an intermediate armature position that allows for the simultaneous closure of two fluid connections, utilizing a combination of springs and controlled electromagnetic forces to maintain a stable, currentless state, enabling a 3/3-way valve functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two valves are used to achieve the desired functionality, then the operational reliability and fail-safe position are improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of two separate valves into a single valve device with one armature unit that can control multiple fluid connections. The armature unit integrates multiple closure units (first closure unit for first fluid connection, second closure unit for second fluid connection) within a single structure, eliminating the need for two separate valves while maintaining the same operational reliability and fail-safe positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single armature unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can close the first fluid connection via the first closure unit, close the second fluid connection via the second closure unit, and maintain fail-safe positioning. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace two separate valves, reducing device complexity while preserving all necessary operational capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two valves are used to control fluid connections, then the fluid control functionality is improved, but the production costs and connection costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single manufacturable unit. The valve device integrates the armature unit with multiple closure units, the coil unit, and the housing into one assembly that can be produced as a single component or pre-assembled module, thereby reducing production costs compared to manufacturing and assembling two separate valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve device is designed to control multiple fluid connections (first fluid connection and second fluid connection) simultaneously, providing the same fluid control versatility as two separate valves but with reduced production and installation costs due to the simplified single-unit architecture.
3Device complexity
If a single valve is used to replace two valves, then the device complexity and costs are reduced, but the ability to maintain stable currentless state may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic spring means (first spring means and second spring means) that actively adjust to maintain the armature unit in stable positions. The springs provide restoring forces that ensure the armature unit returns to and remains in the predetermined fail-safe position when the coil unit is de-energized, maintaining stability despite the simplified single-valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical interlocking or additional locking mechanisms with a purely electromagnetic-spring system. The coil unit generates electromagnetic force to move the armature unit, while the spring means provide the restoring force to maintain the fail-safe position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical stabilization systems.
4Productivity
If electromagnetic actuation is used for valve control, then the operating cycle numbers and controllability are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed for periodic operation where the coil unit is energized only when valve actuation is required, and de-energized during stable states. This periodic actuation pattern maintains high operating cycle capability while minimizing power consumption, as the electromagnetic field is generated only during transition periods rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring means provide self-service by automatically restoring the armature unit to the fail-safe position without requiring continuous electromagnetic force. Once the coil unit is de-energized, the springs take over to return and hold the valve in the stable position, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain the closed or open state.
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 design, reduces costs, and ensures a fail-safe operating mode by maintaining the actuating piston position even under mechanical restoring forces, while allowing for efficient fluid control with reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the coil unit (24) is designed for the electromagnetic actuation of the armature unit (22) between the two axial end positions in the valve housing (20)
Implementation Method 2
the first spring means (38) is designed for the exertion of a restoring force onto the armature unit (22) in the direction of the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4(a)~5(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromagnetically actuatable valve device, comprising a valve housing (20), which has a first (P) and a second (T) fluid connection, which are each designed to be opened and closed in a controlled manner by means of the movement of an associated first (28) or second (30) closing unit, and which has at least one further fluid connection (A), which is provided on the valve housing and which forms a fluid channel to the first or second fluid connection that can be interrupted by means of the first and/or second closing unit, wherein the first and the second closing unit are provided on or in an armature unit (22), which is movably guided in the valve housing along a longitudinal axis of movement and can be driven as a response to a supply of current to a coil unit (24) provided on the coil housing (20) in a stationary manner and can be moved between first and second end-face stop positions on the valve housing which lie opposite each other, wherein the armature unit is preloaded into the first stop position by means of first spring elements (38, 40) that act on the valve housing, in which first stop position the first closing unit (28) closes the first fluid connection (P), the armature unit is designed to be electromagnetically brought into an armature intermediate position provided between the first and the second stop position along the longitudinal axis of movement in a controlled manner, in which armature intermediate position the first closing unit closes the first fluid connection and the second closing unit closes the second fluid connection, and at least one of the first and second closing units is guided on or in the armature unit in an axially movable manner and is preloaded in the direction of the associated fluid connection by means of second spring elements (32, 34).