Electromagnetic Valve Control Unit Safety Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solenoid valve systems, the control/sensor lines and voltage supply lines can short-circuit within the solenoid valve units, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve system design where the control unit includes a safety circuit and solenoid valve drive circuit, utilizing a common power line and multiple power lines to supply power to solenoid valves, eliminating the need for control lines within the solenoid valve units and incorporating switching portions to control power supply and shutoff, thereby preventing short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control/sensor lines and voltage supply lines run inside the solenoid valve units, then control signals can be transmitted to the solenoid valve units, but short circuiting between control lines and power-supply lines may occur in the solenoid valve units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control signal transmission function from the solenoid valve units and relocates it to the control unit. The control unit now contains both the control circuit and the solenoid valve drive circuit, separating control signal processing from power supply functions. This eliminates the need for control lines to run through the solenoid valve units, thereby preventing short circuits while maintaining control signal transmission capability.
2Ease of operation
If control lines are provided in the solenoid valve units, then control signals can be supplied to the solenoid valve units, but the system complexity increases due to multiple line types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control circuit and solenoid valve drive circuit into a single control unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate control lines and power lines running through the solenoid valve units, reducing the overall line configuration complexity while maintaining full control functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control lines and power lines are routed through solenoid valve units, then solenoid valves can be controlled remotely, but the risk of short circuiting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the control unit as an intermediary between the control signals and the solenoid valve units. The control unit processes control signals and generates drive signals, which are then sent to the solenoid valve units through simplified power lines only. This intermediary structure enables remote control while eliminating the short circuit risk associated with running control lines through the solenoid valve units.
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 prevents short circuits between control and power lines, enables efficient interlock control and driving of solenoid valves, and allows for downsizing of the system by containing the control, safety, and solenoid valve drive circuits within the control unit.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solenoid valve units 14, each including a solenoid 52 for driving a solenoid valve
Data Source
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AI summary
In a control unit (12) of an electromagnetic valve system (10), a safety circuit (18) includes a first switch (36) and a second switch (38) for switching, by control from a control circuit (16), supply and shutdown of power from a drive power supply (34) to an electromagnetic valve drive circuit (20). A common line extends to a plurality of electromagnetic valve units (14) and is connected to one end of a plurality of solenoids (52). A plurality of power lines are connected to the other end of each of the plurality of solenoids (52). The electromagnetic valve drive circuit (20) includes a plurality of open/close switches (46) for switching, by control from the control circuit (16), supply and shutdown of power to the plurality of solenoids (52).