Electromagnetic Valve Layout for Flexible Flow and Leak-Safe Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic valves for washer fluid systems have limited flexibility in directing the output of working fluid and are prone to liquid leakage due to poor seating of the valve member on the valve seat, especially when the plunger is tilted, and they require a larger electromagnetic section with a cylindrical plunger and fixed integration, restricting the output direction and increasing the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic valve design separates the electromagnetic section and flow path section with a sealing member, allowing independent direction control of the working fluid, using a spherical valve member with a spring receiver at the equator to stabilize the contact and a plunger that can tilt without causing leakage, and includes a normally open and normally closed compression spring mechanism to ensure reliable seating and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electromagnetic section and flow path section are integrated with a cylindrical plunger, then the structure is simplified, but the output direction of working fluid is restricted and the size of electromagnetic section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic valve is divided into two independent sections: the electromagnetic section (containing coil, core, and plunger) and the flow path section (containing valve body and valve member). These sections are connected via a magnetic coupling mechanism that allows independent optimization of each section. The electromagnetic section can be miniaturized without affecting flow path configuration, and the flow path section can be designed with flexible outlet directions without increasing electromagnetic section size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plunger is tilted to accommodate flow path directions, then output direction flexibility is improved, but liquid leakage occurs due to poor valve seating
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed with a spherical contact surface that interfaces with a corresponding spherical valve seat. This spherical geometry allows the valve member to self-align and maintain reliable sealing contact even when the flow path is oriented at various angles. The curved surface accommodates slight tilts and misalignments while ensuring consistent sealing, eliminating leakage problems associated with tilted plungers in traditional designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a normally closed valve seat is used with a tilted plunger, then flow path switching is achieved, but insufficient urging load causes liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
A spring member is introduced as an intermediary element between the plunger and the valve member. This spring provides a continuous urging force that pushes the valve member against the spherical valve seat, ensuring reliable sealing. The spring compensates for any insufficient magnetic force or tilting effects, maintaining consistent contact pressure between the valve member and seat regardless of plunger orientation or flow path configuration.
4Device complexity
If the electromagnetic section size is increased to accommodate flow paths, then flow path integration is improved, but the electromagnetic section size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the electromagnetic section from the flow path section, the electromagnetic components (coil, core, plunger) can be miniaturized to their minimum necessary size for actuation. The flow path section is designed independently with optimized routing that does not constrain the electromagnetic section dimensions. This segmentation allows the electromagnetic section to remain compact while still achieving complete flow path integration through the magnetic coupling interface.
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 enhances the flexibility and reliability of the electromagnetic valve by allowing the valve member to seat properly even when the plunger is tilted, reducing the size of the electromagnetic section and minimizing liquid leakage, while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a coil 205 which is magnetized when energized; a core 206 arranged in a magnetic circuit formed when the coil 205 is energized
Implementation Method 2
a normally closed compression spring 207 which urges the plunger 209 in a direction away from the core 206; a normally open compression spring 231 which urges the valve member 214 in a direction away from the normally closed valve seat 229
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic valve is configured with an electromagnetic section, a flow path section, and a sealing member between them. This separate arrangement improves a degree of freedom for arranging inflow and/or outflow passage. This separate arrangement also enables to reduce a size of the electromagnetic section. A plunger comes in contact with a central portion of a spherical portion of a valve member. A normally open compression spring comes in contact with a peripheral portion of the valve member. The valve member can be reliably seated on the normally close valve seat even if the plunger is slightly tilted.