Flat Spring Solenoid Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid valves face challenges in reducing size and enhancing assembly workability due to the need for space to accommodate compression springs, which complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A flat spring is used to apply a separating force to the movable iron core, with an engaging claw and supporting portion that can be integrated between the valve housing and bobbin, allowing for compact assembly and improved assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used to apply separating force to the movable iron core, then the solenoid valve can achieve reliable separation of the magnetically-attracted surfaces, but the valve housing requires additional space to accommodate the compression spring, increasing the overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional compression spring with a flat spring (thin film structure) that applies separating force to the movable iron core. This flat spring has a supporting portion and an engaging claw that engages with the movable iron core, providing the necessary elastic restoring force while occupying minimal space within the valve housing, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable separation and compact size.
2Force
If a compression spring is installed inside the valve housing, then the separating force can be applied to the movable iron core, but the assembly process becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flat spring structure with its supporting portion and engaging claw is designed to be easily installed within the valve housing. The engaging claw selectively engages with the movable iron core, and the flat spring can be positioned between the valve housing and the movable iron core without requiring complex assembly procedures, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the necessary separating force.
3Volume of stationary object
If the solenoid valve is designed with compact dimensions, then the overall size is reduced, but there is insufficient space to accommodate the compression spring and its mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The flat spring is designed as a thin, flexible component that can be accommodated within the compact valve housing structure. The supporting portion is fixed between the valve housing and the bobbin, while the engaging claw engages with the movable iron core, allowing the flat spring to provide necessary functionality without increasing the overall valve size, thus resolving the contradiction between compact dimensions and space for spring accommodation.
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
The use of a flat spring reduces the size of the solenoid valve and simplifies the assembly process by allowing the spring to be disposed along the movable iron core, enhancing the overall assembly workability and reducing the number of parts required.
Implementation Method 1
a flat spring which applies a spring force to a movable iron core in a direction to separate a magnetically-attracted surface of the movable iron core from a magnetically-attracting surface of a fixed iron core
Implementation Method 2
A solenoid which opens and closes the poppet valve has a fixed iron core with a magnetic wire wound around, and a movable iron core to be driven by the magnetic wire
Data Source
AI summary
A flat spring (70) of a solenoid valve has: an engaging claw (75) which is engaged with an engaging protrusion provided on a movable iron core, and a supporting portion (71) which is installed and fixed between a valve housing and a bobbin. The supporting portion (71) is provided with an attaching claw (72); the attaching claw (72) is attached to an attaching claw holder provided on the bobbin. The engaging claw (75) is provided on a leading end of a pulling portion (73), and a connected portion (74) connects a base end of the pulling portion (73) with the supporting portion (71).