Latching Solenoid Base Plate Residual Magnetism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine management systems require continuous energy supply to maintain solenoid positions, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and increased power consumption, especially in applications like cylinder deactivation and stepped cam operations.

Innovation Solution

The use of latching solenoids with a base plate constructed from hard magnetic materials that retain residual magnetism, allowing the armature to latch and maintain position without continuous energy when energized, and releasing by eliminating residual magnetism, thus reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous energy supply is used to maintain solenoid positions, then reliable position maintenance is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition maintenance reliabilityVSAvoidcontinuous power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid operates with periodic action by using pulsed energy input to achieve latching and unlatching states. The coil is energized only during state transitions, and the magnetic latch maintains position without continuous power, converting continuous operation into periodic energy input with zero continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-return mechanism with a magnetic latching system. Instead of using continuous electrical force or mechanical springs to maintain position, the invention uses residual magnetism in the base plate to hold the armature in position, eliminating the need for continuous energy supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If latching solenoid with residual magnetism is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power consumptionVSAvoidbase plate material requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the magnetic parameter of the base plate by selecting materials with specific residual magnetism characteristics. The base plate is made from hard magnetic materials or materials with sufficient residual magnetism to maintain the latched state, transforming a standard electromagnetic solenoid into a latching type through material parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid structure combines different materials with complementary properties: the base plate uses hard magnetic materials for residual magnetism retention, while the coil and armature use standard electromagnetic materials. This composite approach achieves latching functionality without requiring complete redesign of all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If hard magnetic materials are used for base plate, then residual magnetism is maintained, but cost of materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power consumptionVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring expensive permanent hard magnetic materials, the invention adjusts the magnetic parameters by selecting materials with adequate residual magnetism properties. The base plate can be made from cost-effective materials that provide sufficient residual magnetism for the application, balancing performance requirements with material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enhances energy efficiency by minimizing continuous power usage, allowing latching solenoids to operate with zero or lower continuous power, requiring only inrush current during state changes, thereby improving engine management and performance.

Implementation Method 1

when the latching solenoid is energized the coil pulls the armature in a first direction toward the base plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

when the latching solenoid is energized the base plate becomes residually magnetized so that when the armature moves in the first direction toward the base plate the armature magnetically latches to the base plate and remains attached to the base plate when the latching solenoid is de-energized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResidual magnetism: Magnetic Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentUS10329964B2Latching solenoid for engine management

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 BORGWARNER INC

AI summary

A number of variations may include a product comprising a latching solenoid comprising: a valve; a spring operatively connected to the valve; a base plate adjacent the valve, wherein the base plate is constructed and arranged to maintain residual magnetism; an armature adjacent the base 10 plate and operatively connected to the spring; a pin disposed within the armature and operatively connected to the valve; wherein the latching solenoid includes a coil, wherein when the latching solenoid is energized the coil pulls the armature in a first direction toward the base plate; and wherein when the latching solenoid is energized the base plate becomes residually 15 magnetized so that when the armature moves in the first direction toward the base plate the armature magnetically latches to the base plate and remains attached to the base plate when the latching solenoid is de-energized.