Electromagnetic Valve Actuator Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve assemblies for pressurizing medium driven actuators in process control valves face challenges in reducing power consumption and improving control characteristics, particularly in achieving high dynamics and efficient energy conversion while maintaining precision and minimizing manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an electromagnetic linear direct drive with a connecting element between the closing body and piston surface, utilizing a permanent magnetic field and a magnetic return structure, along with a spring for defined zero-drive positions, reduces inert mass and energy requirements, allowing for precise control and pressure measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If an electromagnetic actuator is integrated between the closing element and piston chamber, then the inert mass of the actuator assembly is reduced and dynamics are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedynamicsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator is integrated directly into the valve body, merging the actuation mechanism with the valve structure. The coil arrangement is embedded in the basic valve body, and the armature is operatively connected to the piston surface through a connecting element, combining multiple functions into a unified assembly that reduces overall inert mass while maintaining control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical linkage between the closing element and piston chamber is replaced with an electromagnetic linear direct drive system. The electromagnetic actuator uses a permanent magnetic field with alternating polarity to directly actuate the piston surface, eliminating complex mechanical transmission components and reducing moving mass

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the coil arrangement is embedded in the basic valve body with a permanent magnetic field, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator uses a permanent magnetic field with alternating polarity that can be dynamically switched to control the armature position. This dynamic magnetic field control allows for precise actuation with reduced power consumption compared to traditional electromagnetic valves that require continuous power to maintain the magnetic field

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the magnetic field parameters by using a permanent magnet ring with alternating polarity segments. The magnetic field strength and direction are controlled by switching the polarity activation, enabling precise control of the armature position and resulting piston surface movement with minimal energy input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the connection for compensating pressure passes through the housing outside the magnetic return structure, then the piston surface area is maximized and manufacturing is simplified, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston surface areaVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure compensation connection is routed through the housing outside the magnetic return structure, separating the fluid path from the magnetic actuation path. This segmentation allows the piston surface to be designed as an uninterrupted surface, maximizing the effective pressure compensation area while simplifying manufacturing by avoiding complex drilling operations through the closing body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 results in higher dynamics, reduced power consumption, and improved control characteristics with precise pressure measurement capabilities, enhancing the efficiency of the valve assembly while maintaining a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

there is a permanent magnetic field at the armature with alternating polarity in an axial direction. Owing to this operative connection, movement of the armature causes an axial movement of the piston surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic linear direct drive, wherein the coil arrangement is embedded in the basic valve body and there is a permanent magnetic field at the armature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

a spring may be connected in an axial direction which defines a defined zero-drive valve position. This spring is used to position the closing body in a zero-current 'open' state or 'closing' state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

Pressure compensation with the inlet side is achieved via the piston surface, which thus reduces the required driving force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10746317B2Valve
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 SAMSON AG
  • US10746317B2 patent drawing
  • US10746317B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve (10, 50, 52) for operating a pressurizing medium driven actuator of a process control valve for technical process equipment, comprising a valve seat (14) in a basic valve body (48), a closing body (12) and an electromagnetic drive (18, 30), which closing body (12) is ball -shaped and cooperates with a valve seat (14) so as to block the flow from an inlet side to an outlet side, said closing body (12) cooperating with a piston surface (20) which can be moved within a piston chamber (25) connected to the inlet side, characterized in that a connecting element (17) is provided between the closing body (12) and the piston surface (20) which is actively connected to an armature (18) of an electromagnetic linear direct drive, with a coil assembly (30) being embedded in the basic valve body (28) and a magnetic field with alternating polarity in the axial direction being present at the armature (18).