Electromagnetic Valve Activation Using Superelevated Start Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic valves often stick or jam, preventing the valve body from moving when activated with short operating pulses, leading to failure in opening or closing, as the valve state remains unchanged despite coil energization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an initial signal sequence with start pulses having a superelevated signal amplitude, duration, or frequency to mechanically free the valve body, followed by operating pulses to ensure reliable movement, using a pulse-width-modulated signal sequence to activate the electromagnetic valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If short operating pulses are used to activate the electromagnetic valve, then energy consumption is reduced and response time is improved, but the valve body may stick or jam and fail to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending a start pulse with superelevated amplitude before the regular operating pulses. This initial high-amplitude pulse mechanically frees the valve body from potential sticking or jamming conditions, ensuring reliable movement before the normal operation begins. The start pulse is sent once when the actuator is in the off state, preparing the valve body for subsequent operation with standard pulses.
2Reliability
If superelevated signal amplitude is applied to free the valve body from sticking, then valve body movement reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The start pulse with superelevated amplitude is sent only once when the actuator transitions from off to on state, before regular operation begins. This preliminary high-energy action mechanically frees the valve body from sticking conditions, after which standard lower-energy operating pulses can be used. This approach minimizes energy consumption while ensuring reliable valve body movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic operating pulses for normal valve operation after the initial start pulse. The regular operating pulses are sent at predetermined intervals to maintain valve body movement without requiring continuous superelevated amplitude. This periodic action with standard amplitude reduces energy consumption compared to continuous high-amplitude operation.
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
Ensures reliable movement of the valve body despite sticking or jamming, maintaining valve functionality by applying increased electromagnetic force through enhanced signal characteristics, allowing for consistent operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical drive with an electric drive coil is provided
Implementation Method 2
the start pulse is formed with at least one of a signal amplitude superelevated above the predetermined signal amplitude of the operating pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for activating an electromagnetic valve including a valve seat and a valve body. The valve body is movable between a first and the second position (A, B) via an electric drive coil. The drive coil is connected to a control device which as a function of a setting variable (S) energizes the drive coil with a signal sequence consisting of control signals in order to move the valve body. The control device as a function of the setting variable (S) sets a predetermined signal amplitude and/or a predetermined signal duration of the control signals. It is provided that at least one control signal of the signal sequence is formed with an amplitude superelevated above the predetermined signal amplitude and/or with a signal duration extended beyond the predetermined signal duration.