Mechanically Latching Solenoid Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid-actuated valves lack a mechanism to maintain a de-energized yet open valve position, limiting their operational flexibility and efficiency in fluid control systems.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid actuator with a latching mechanism that includes upper and lower cam surfaces and cam elements, allowing the armature to rotate and maintain a valve open position when the solenoid is de-energized, enabling fluid communication between passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional solenoid-actuated valve is used, then the valve can be controlled to open or close positions, but the valve cannot maintain a de-energized yet open position, limiting operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a solenoid actuator for energized actuation, and a separate latching mechanism with cam surfaces and cam elements for maintaining positions. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve multiple operational states (open, closed, and de-energized open) without requiring the solenoid to remain continuously energized, thereby improving operational flexibility while keeping each component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism performs preliminary action by mechanically locking the armature in the open position after the solenoid briefly energizes to initiate movement. The cam surfaces and cam elements engage to pre-establish the locked state, allowing the valve to maintain openness without continuous electrical power, thus enhancing adaptability while avoiding continuous energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a latching mechanism with cam surfaces and cam elements is added, then the valve can maintain mechanically locked positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces and cam elements serve as intermediary mechanical components that translate the linear motion of the armature into rotational locking action. These intermediaries provide reliable position maintenance through pure mechanical engagement without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or complex control systems, thereby achieving high reliability while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is self-service in that it automatically engages and disengages based on the armature's position during energized and de-energized states. The cam surfaces and cam elements self-lock when the armature reaches the desired position, and self-release when the solenoid re-energizes, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable position holding.
3Speed
If the solenoid remains continuously energized to maintain valve open position, then the valve responds quickly to opening commands, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous energization, the solenoid operates with periodic action - brief energized pulses to transition the valve between states, followed by de-energized periods where the latching mechanism maintains the position. This periodic operation achieves the same functional result as continuous energization (quick response capability) while dramatically reducing energy consumption during position maintenance phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical-magnetic holding system (continuous solenoid energization) with a mechanical latching system. The cam surfaces and cam elements provide the holding function mechanically, substituting the need for continuous electrical power with a passive mechanical lock, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability for quick response when the solenoid is re-energized.
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 valve to maintain a mechanically locked open position during de-energization, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency by allowing single energized pulses to transition between open and closed positions.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid coil disposed in surrounding relationship with the bobbin, the solenoid coil having an energized state and a non-energized state, where the solenoid coil is capable of being energized to selectively move the plunger in a second direction opposite the first direction during the energized state
Implementation Method 2
a spring configured to bias the plunger in a first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear actuated valve controls the flow of fluid between a first passageway and a second passageway. The valve can be solenoid actuated so as to selectively permit and prohibit fluid flow communication between the first passageway and the second passageway. The valve can include a mechanical latch that provides a de-energized yet valve open position.