Magnetically Latched Pneumatic Valve for Pulse-Actuated Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically-actuated valves require continuous power to maintain an actuated position against a biasing member, leading to inefficiency and heating issues when the power source is de-energized.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic valve design featuring a coil assembly and a permanent magnet that allows the plunger to latch in specific positions, enabling the valve to remain actuated with only a pulse of current, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for continuous current application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous current is applied to the coil assembly to maintain the valve in an actuated position, then the valve remains reliably actuated against the biasing member, but power consumption increases and heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses periodic or pulsed current application instead of continuous current. The coil assembly receives current only during transitions between positions, while the permanent magnet maintains the actuated position without additional power input, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A permanent magnet is introduced as an intermediary component to retain the plunger in the actuated position. The permanent magnet replaces the need for continuous electromagnetic field maintenance, allowing the valve to hold position without continuous power supply to the coil assembly
2Reliability
If continuous current is applied to the coil assembly to maintain the valve in an actuated position, then the valve remains reliably actuated, but heating of the actuator occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By applying current periodically rather than continuously, the coil assembly generates heat only during brief transition periods. The permanent magnet sustains the actuated position without additional heating, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing actuator temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet serves as a mediator that takes over the position-holding function from the electromagnetic coil, eliminating the need for continuous current flow and the associated Joule heating in the actuator
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 solution minimizes power usage and prevents heating by allowing the valve to maintain actuated positions without continuous power, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption, particularly beneficial for battery-powered systems.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet configured to retain the plunger in at least one of the first position or the second position
Implementation Method 2
a plunger axially movable within the housing between a first position and a second position in response to electrical current being driven through the coil assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic valve includes a housing, a first port, a second port, and a third port, each in communication with an interior of the housing, a coil assembly coupled to the housing, a plunger axially movable within the housing between a first position and a second position in response to electrical current being driven through the coil assembly, and a permanent magnet configured to retain the plunger in at least one of the first position or the second position.