Force Multiplying Solenoid Valve for High Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid actuated valves are limited in closing against pressures above 3,000 psi due to insufficient force produced by solenoid actuators, requiring complex and expensive mechanical leverage systems, which are prone to performance issues in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid actuated valve assembly with a force multiplying ratio of at least 1.5:1 between the surface area of the valve member and the solenoid plunger, utilizing a solenoid actuator coupled to a valve body with a fluid chamber filled with hydraulic fluid to provide multiplied force, allowing the valve to close against high pressures without complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a direct acting solenoid actuator is used to close the valve, then the valve structure remains simple, but the valve cannot close against pressures above 3,000 psi due to insufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic fluid chamber filled with incompressible fluid to transmit and multiply the solenoid force. The solenoid plunger applies force to the hydraulic fluid, which then applies amplified force to the valve member through pressure multiplication based on the ratio of surface areas. This hydraulic mechanism enables the valve to close against high pressures (up to 20,000 psi or higher) while maintaining a relatively simple actuator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the fluid chamber by filling it with incompressible hydraulic fluid, transforming the solenoid's limited mechanical force into high closing force through hydraulic pressure multiplication. The force multiplying ratio is achieved by designing the surface area of the valve member exposed to the fluid chamber to be at least 1.5 times the surface area of the solenoid plunger, thereby amplifying the closing force without proportionally increasing the solenoid size.
2Force
If mechanical leverage systems are added to multiply force for high pressure closing, then the closing force increases, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical leverage systems with a simpler hydraulic fluid chamber system. The incompressible hydraulic fluid acts as a force transmission medium that naturally multiplies force based on the surface area ratio between the solenoid plunger and the valve member. This hydraulic approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, levers, and gears while achieving the same force multiplication effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical leverage systems with a hydraulic force multiplication system. Instead of using mechanical components such as levers, gears, or linkages to amplify the solenoid force, the invention uses the hydraulic fluid chamber to transmit and multiply force through pressure differential. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving force multiplication efficiency.
3Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are used to close the valve against high pressures, then sufficient closing force is achieved, but separate supply lines and systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force generation and force multiplication functions into a single integrated solenoid-hydraulic system. The solenoid actuator and hydraulic fluid chamber are combined in one assembly, with the solenoid plunger directly acting on the hydraulic fluid which in turn acts on the valve member. This integration eliminates the need for separate pneumatic or hydraulic supply lines, external reservoirs, and complex control systems that would be required if traditional hydraulic actuators were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid actuated valve assembly is self-contained, with the hydraulic fluid chamber containing all necessary fluid for force multiplication. The system uses its own internal hydraulic fluid rather than requiring external hydraulic supply lines. The solenoid plunger serves both as the actuator and as the means to pressurize the hydraulic fluid, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependencies on external hydraulic or pneumatic infrastructure.
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
Enables the solenoid actuated valve to operate effectively against pressures up to 20,000 psi or higher, reducing size, weight, complexity, and cost, while maintaining reliability and eliminating the need for separate pneumatic or hydraulic supply lines.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid actuator is coupled to the valve body and includes a solenoid plunger proximate the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the valve member exposed to the fluid chamber to a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body comprising a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve member disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a fluid chamber above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet. The solenoid actuated valve assembly further includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body comprising a solenoid plunger proximate the fluid chamber, wherein a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1.