Magnetic Actuator Choke Point for Valve Variance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic switching valves in internal combustion engine fuel injection systems face challenges in reducing production-related variances in switching behavior and magnetic attraction force due to geometric tolerances and material properties, leading to functional variances in dynamic metering quantities, which are costly to adjust individually.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic actuator with a ferromagnetic component featuring a magnetic choke point, adjustable through microstructural changes or material removal, allows for controlled reduction of magnetic flux, enabling precise adjustment of magnetic properties to reduce variance and improve switching behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerance specifications are used to reduce production variances in magnetic switching valves, then switching behavior consistency improves, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the air gap during the manufacturing process before final assembly. The method involves measuring the magnetic attraction force and adjusting the air gap accordingly to compensate for production variances, thereby achieving consistent switching behavior without requiring tight tolerance specifications on all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the air gap dimension as an adjustable parameter to compensate for variances in magnetic properties and geometric tolerances. By changing this critical parameter during assembly or adjustment, the system achieves consistent magnetic attraction force and switching behavior despite variations in other components.
2Reliability
If individual adjustment of air gap is implemented to counter production variances, then functional variance reduces, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the air gap adjustment to be performed using the existing magnetic actuator components and measurement capabilities. The system uses its own magnetic attraction force measurement to guide the adjustment process, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or additional complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simpler process that uses magnetic field measurement and controlled material removal or addition. Instead of intricate mechanical adjustment devices, the system uses straightforward methods like grinding, filing, or shimming to achieve the desired air gap, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If geometric tolerances and material property variances are accepted, then production cost decreases, but magnetic attraction force consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual magnetic attraction force and using this information to adjust the air gap accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows the system to compensate for variances in geometric tolerances and material properties, achieving consistent magnetic attraction force while accepting standard production tolerances on components.
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 allows for reduced variance in magnetic flux and improved dynamic metering quantities by enabling controlled adjustment of magnetic properties, stabilizing valve operation and reducing production costs through targeted modifications of the magnetic circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a control valve is actuated via a magnet. As soon as the magnet has current applied to it, a magnetic field is formed which acts upon an armature
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnetic choke point is formed by a local microstructural transformation of a ferromagnetic material of the ferromagnetic component. In this case, it is especially advantageous that the magnetic choke point is formed by an austenitic microstructure of the ferromagnetic material. By heating, a change in microstructure may be generated in specified material regions, which changes the magnetic properties
Implementation Method 3
One possibility is a local change in the material properties, such as by local heating, which may be done using a laser, for example
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic actuator, which is used particularly for devices of internal combustion engines, includes a magnetic coil and at least one ferromagnetic component. In this instance, a magnetic flux caused by the magnetic coil is able to be guided via the component. On ferromagnetic component, a magnetic choke point is provided, which is used to adjust the magnetic flux. The magnetic choke point may be formed by a local microstructural modification of a ferromagnetic material of the ferromagnetic component. Furthermore, a valve having such a magnetic actuator and a method for producing such a magnetic actuator are indicated.