Magnetic Latching Pneumatic Valve for Low-Power Position Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-latching solenoid actuated valves require continuous power to hold the valve member in the actuated position, leading to increased power consumption and heat buildup, which is undesirable in applications with limited power sources or where the valve must remain in the actuated position for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The latching control valve assembly employs a permanent magnet with a variable magnetic field, controlled by pulses of electric current, to maintain the valve member in either position without continuous power, eliminating the need for a sliding push pin and reducing the valve body length, allowing for a more compact design and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to the solenoid coil to hold the valve member in the actuated position, then the valve member remains reliably actuated, but power consumption increases and heat build-up occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed electrical current to the solenoid coil instead of continuous power supply. The controller delivers intermittent pulses that temporarily strengthen the magnetic field to overcome static friction and move the valve member, then allows the field to decay while the valve remains in position due to the biasing member and magnetic latching, thereby dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable position control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the continuous electromagnetic force requirement with a mechanical latching system consisting of a biasing member (spring) and magnetic interaction between the armature and permanent magnet. This mechanical arrangement maintains the valve member in the actuated position without requiring continuous electrical power, substituting passive mechanical elements for active electromagnetic control
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to the solenoid coil to hold the valve member in the actuated position, then the valve member remains reliably actuated, but heat build-up occurs in the solenoid
Solution Approach 1:
By delivering electrical power in intermittent pulses rather than continuously, the solenoid coil has periods of low or zero power consumption between pulses, allowing heat to dissipate and preventing excessive temperature build-up while still achieving the necessary magnetic field strength during pulses to maintain reliable valve actuation
3Use of energy by moving object
If a sliding push pin mechanism is used with a permanent magnet to achieve self-latching, then power consumption is reduced, but the valve body length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the armature and push pin into a single integrated valve member component. The valve member includes a head portion that functions as the armature for magnetic interaction with the permanent magnet, and a valve portion that controls flow, eliminating the need for a separate sliding push pin mechanism and reducing the overall valve body length while maintaining self-latching functionality through the biasing member and magnetic field interaction
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 solution enables the valve assembly to maintain the actuated position with significantly reduced power consumption and heat buildup, making it suitable for battery-powered applications and long-term actuation, while also providing a more compact and efficient use of space.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet disposed at least partially within the solenoid bore that has a magnetic field and operably applies an attractive force to the valve member
Implementation Method 2
The permanent magnet has a magnetic field and operates by applying an attractive force to the valve member
Implementation Method 3
When the coil of the solenoid receives a pulse of electric current in a specific polarity, the variable magnitude of the attractive force generated by the permanent magnet changes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A control valve having a valve body (58), seat member, valve member (74), and solenoid (22) including a housing (24), bobbin (26), and coil (28). The valve member (74) has a head portion (78) disposed within the bobbin (26) and a valve portion (80) disposed within the valve body (58) that has a seat engagement member (82) operating to open and close ports (96, 98) in the valve body (58) when the valve member (74) slides between first and second positions. A permanent magnet (122), disposed within the bobbin (26), applies an attractive force (128) of variable magnitude to the valve member (74) in a direction opposing a biasing force (120) created by a biasing component (118). Pulses of electric current applied to the coil (28) change the variable magnitude. The permanent magnet (122) pulls the valve member (74) to the second position when the attractive force (128) is greater than the biasing force (120) and the valve member (74) returns to the first position when the attractive force (128) is less than the biasing force (120).