Two-Part Inner Pole Proportional Valve for Compact Hydrogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proportional valves for controlling gaseous media, such as hydrogen in fuel cell vehicles, face inefficiencies due to higher magnetic force requirements leading to larger installation spaces, resulting in ineffective constructions.
Innovation Solution
A proportional valve design featuring a two-part inner pole with a magnetic coil and a sleeve element made of non-magnetic material, allowing for optimal alignment and reduced installation space, along with a magnetic armature and elastic sealing element for precise control of hydrogen flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a higher magnetic force is used to ensure effective function and tightness, then the tightness is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner pole is divided into two separate elements (first inner pole element and second inner pole element) that can be firmly connected. This segmentation allows optimization of the magnetic circuit without increasing overall installation space, as the divided elements can be arranged more efficiently within the existing valve housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The second inner pole element is surrounded by a sleeve element that is firmly connected to the first inner pole element. This nested arrangement allows compact positioning of multiple functional elements within the same spatial envelope, achieving high magnetic force density without proportionally increasing the installation space.
2Volume of stationary object
If the inner pole is divided into two elements, then the installation space is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second inner pole elements are firmly connected to form an integrated magnetic circuit. This merging approach simplifies the overall structure compared to using separate components, while still achieving the space reduction benefits of the divided design. The connection can be made through pressing or welding, creating a unified element that functions as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a non-magnetic barrier, ensures tightness to the magnetic coil, acts as a spacer between components, and firmly connects the first and second inner pole elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the sleeve element is added for sealing, then the tightness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve element performs multiple functions in a single component: it provides sealing against the magnetic coil, acts as a spacer to maintain proper positioning, and serves as a mounting surface for connecting the inner pole elements. This consolidation of functions into one element achieves improved tightness without adding significant complexity, as it replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
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 design achieves efficient hydrogen flow control with reduced pressure fluctuations and quiet operation, enabling precise metering and improved operational safety and durability of fuel cells by minimizing hydrogen overuse and preventing downstream damage.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic coil with an outer pole and an inner pole is arranged in the interior
Implementation Method 2
The magnet armature can be moved by means of the magnet coil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a proportional valve (1) for controlling a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, comprising a valve housing (2), wherein an interior space (3) is formed in the valve housing (2). A solenoid coil (16) having an outer pole (14) and an inner pole (15) is arranged in the interior space (3). Furthermore, the inner pole (15) is designed in two parts and comprises a first inner pole element (12) and a second inner pole element (18).