Latching Solenoid Valve With Intermediate Piston
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid actuator systems in hydraulically actuated devices face challenges in effectively controlling fluid pressure and flow, particularly in achieving precise pressure regulation and latching mechanisms to maintain desired fluid control states.
Innovation Solution
A latching solenoid valve assembly is introduced, comprising a solenoid actuator, a housing with an axial passage, an intermediate piston, and a reaction member spring-biased by a transfer spring, which allows for precise control of fluid pressure and flow through latching and pressure feedback mechanisms, enabling the assembly to function as a pressure control valve, flow control valve, or mechanical actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional solenoid actuator is used to control fluid pressure and flow, then the system can achieve basic fluid control, but it cannot maintain precise pressure settings or latch in desired positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional components: a solenoid actuator for initiating movement, an intermediate piston for force transmission, and a reaction member with spring bias for latching. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific function, enabling precise pressure control through the solenoid while the spring-biased reaction member independently maintains the latched position without continuous power
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piston serves as a mediator between the solenoid actuator and the reaction member. It transmits the solenoid's force through the transfer spring to the reaction member, enabling the solenoid to indirectly control the latching mechanism. This intermediary allows the system to achieve both precise actuation and reliable latching without requiring the solenoid to directly engage the latching component
2Measurement precision
If a latching mechanism is added to maintain pressure settings, then pressure control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching function is merged into the existing piston-cylinder architecture by utilizing the intermediate piston and reaction member as integral components of the valve assembly. The transfer spring is positioned within the same housing, combining the actuation and latching functions into a single compact unit. This merging approach adds latching capability without requiring entirely separate mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piston serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator for moving the reaction member and as part of the latching mechanism itself. The reaction member similarly functions as both a mechanical actuator and a pressure-regulating element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise pressure regulation
3Reliability
If continuous power is applied to maintain fluid control state, then pressure and flow control is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator operates periodically rather than continuously - it is energized only momentarily to initiate movement of the intermediate piston and trigger the latching action. Once the reaction member engages the latched position, the solenoid can be de-energized while the spring bias maintains the control state. This periodic operation dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to continuous power application
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased reaction member serves itself by automatically maintaining the latched position without requiring continuous external power. The stored elastic energy in the transfer spring provides the force needed to hold the reaction member in position, making the system self-sustaining once actuated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous solenoid power while maintaining fluid control state stability
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 latching solenoid valve assembly effectively regulates fluid pressure and flow by using the solenoid actuator to latch the intermediate piston, allowing for precise control and maintaining desired pressure settings, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of hydraulically actuated devices.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator (10)
Implementation Method 2
A reaction member (370) within the axial passage is spring biased by a transfer spring (372) from the intermediate piston (66)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A latching solenoid assembly is provided which includes a solenoid actuator (10). A housing (50) is also provided which has an axial passage (52). An intermediate piston (66) is moved by the solenoid actuator (10). A reaction member (70) is also placed within the housing axial passage (52) spring biased by a transfer spring (72) from the intermediate piston (66). The housing has a latching port (54) allowing pressure to latch the intermediate piston in position to set the force which is transmitted to the reaction member.