Integrated Low-Profile Solenoid Valve for Fast Shutter Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves face challenges in reducing overall dimensions and weight while maintaining high actuation speeds, particularly due to the need for connection ducts between the piloting and valve sections, which complicates manufacturing and increases size and weight.
Innovation Solution
The integration of the piloting and valve sections within a compact solenoid valve design, where the valve section is housed in a pressurized fluid tank, eliminates the need for connection ducts by using a tubular stem actuated by a solenoid to control the shutter's opening and closing, leveraging air pressure and a preloading spring for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the piloting section and valve section are physically separated and connected by ducts, then the solenoid can create the force required to open the shutter, but the overall dimensions and weight of the solenoid valve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the piloting section and valve section into a single unified structure. The piloting chamber is formed within the valve body, and the shutter is directly actuated by the piloting mechanism without requiring separate connection ducts. This merging of sections eliminates unnecessary components and reduces the overall weight of the solenoid valve while maintaining the required actuation force.
2Quantity of substance
If connection ducts are used between piloting and valve sections, then fluid can be transported, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piloting chamber and valve cavity are integrated into a single valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate connection ducts. The shutter acts as both the valve element and the piston for the piloting mechanism, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration significantly simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring proper fluid flow control.
3Reliability
If connection ducts are used between piloting and valve sections, then the valve can operate, but the actuation speed decreases due to longer fluid paths
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the piloting chamber with the valve cavity eliminates long connection ducts, creating a direct and short fluid path. The shutter is directly actuated by the pressure differential created in the integrated piloting chamber, enabling rapid response and high actuation speed while maintaining reliable valve operation.
4Volume of stationary object
If the overall dimensions of the solenoid valve are reduced, then space is saved, but the integration of piloting and valve sections becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact integrated design where the piloting chamber, valve cavity, and shutter mechanism are combined into a single unified structure. The shutter serves dual functions as both the valve element and the piston for the piloting mechanism. This integration reduces the overall volume of the solenoid valve while the modular design approach keeps the integration complexity manageable through clear functional zones within the compact structure.
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 design results in a significantly reduced size and weight, simplified interface, and enhanced actuation speed, making it suitable for applications where space and speed are critical, such as in the aeronautical and aerospace industries.
Implementation Method 1
a piloting section (3) including a solenoid actuator (10) to displace the shutter (7) between a closing condition and an opening condition of the valve seat (9)
Implementation Method 2
the shutter which is normally preloaded by a spring in the closing position to ensure the sealing on the valve seat
Implementation Method 3
a fluid pressure - which keeps the shutter in the closing condition and which is released into the atmosphere - is applied to displace the valve stem to the opening condition
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The piloting section (3) of the solenoid valve is integrated with the valve section (5) and it includes a tubular stem (11) having a distal end (20) placed in communication with the atmosphere and axially displaceable by means of the solenoid (20) from a receded position, in which the shutter (7) of the valve section (5) is kept in the closing condition, to an advanced position corresponding to the opening condition of the shutter. The shutter (7) comprises a hollow plunger (12) coaxial with the tubular stem (11) and defining an inner thrust chamber (13) in which, in operation, in the receded position of the tubular stem (11) a fluid pressure - which keeps the shutter (7) in closing condition and which is released into the atmosphere - is applied to displace the shutter to the opening condition, through the proximal end (21) of the tubular stem (11) when it is displaced by the solenoid (10) to the advanced position.