Electromagnetic Valve Actuation with Temperature-Adaptive Current Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromagnetic valves exhibit temperature-dependent switching behavior due to fluid viscosity, leading to issues with force equilibria and potential overheating, particularly at low temperatures where high currents are required for opening and at high temperatures where high currents cause overheating, compromising component longevity.

Innovation Solution

A temperature-dependent electrical current profile is implemented, specifying switching and holding currents based on temperature information to ensure reliable valve operation across the entire temperature range, with higher currents at low temperatures for switching and lower currents at high temperatures to prevent overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high switching current is applied at low temperatures to overcome high fluid viscosity, then valve switching reliability is improved, but component overheating risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve switching reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic current adaptation by continuously monitoring fluid temperature and adjusting the switching current amplitude accordingly. At low temperatures, higher currents are permitted to ensure reliable valve opening against high viscosity forces. At elevated temperatures, the control unit automatically reduces the current amplitude to prevent component overheating, thus dynamically optimizing both reliability and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical parameter (current amplitude) based on temperature conditions. The control unit stores multiple current characteristic curves with different amplitudes and selectively applies the appropriate curve based on the detected fluid temperature, thereby adapting the electrical input to the thermal state of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If high holding current is applied to maintain valve position against viscous forces, then valve holding stability is improved, but energy consumption and overheating increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve holding stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the holding current amplitude based on real-time temperature monitoring. At low temperatures where high fluid viscosity creates unstable closing forces, higher holding currents are applied to maintain stable valve positioning. As temperature increases and viscosity decreases, the holding current is automatically reduced to minimize energy consumption and prevent overheating, thus dynamically balancing stability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements parameter adaptation by selecting from multiple stored current characteristic curves with different holding current amplitudes. The control unit chooses the appropriate curve based on detected temperature, thereby optimizing the holding current parameter to match thermal conditions and minimize unnecessary energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If temperature-compensated current profiles are implemented, then valve operation reliability across temperature range is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve operation reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is pre-programmed with multiple current characteristic curves stored in memory before operation begins. When the system starts, these compensation profiles are already available, and the control unit simply needs to detect the temperature and select the appropriate pre-calculated curve. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors fluid temperature and uses this information to automatically select the appropriate current characteristic curve. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the valve receives the optimal current profile for the current thermal conditions, maintaining high reliability without requiring complex manual intervention or real-time computational algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach guarantees valve functionality over the entire temperature range without adversely affecting component service life, allowing for optimal energization by adjusting current amplitudes and durations based on temperature, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic force of an electromagnetic assembly occurs as an opening force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS10593458B2Method for actuating an electromagnetic valve, and corresponding fluid system
Publication Date: 2020.03.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US10593458B2 patent drawing
  • US10593458B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for actuating an electromagnetic valve in a fluid system includes, for a specified first time period, a switching current with a specified first amplitude is applied, the switching current switching the electromagnetic valve from a rest state into a switching state. After the specified first time period expires, a holding current with a specified second amplitude is applied, the holding current holding the electromagnetic valve in the switching state. The first amplitude of the first switching current is greater than the second amplitude of the holding current.