Parallel Exhaust Solenoid Valve Layout for Longer Valve Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solenoid valve systems, the exhaust solenoid valve has a shorter life than the supply solenoid valve due to its higher operational frequency, leading to increased maintenance and replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
The solenoid valve system incorporates two identical exhaust solenoid valves and one supply solenoid valve, with the exhaust solenoid valves having identical flow rate characteristics to the supply solenoid valve, and a control unit that alternates or synchronizes their operation based on pressure deviations to reduce operational frequency and extend life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If one supply solenoid valve and one exhaust solenoid valve are used with identical flow rate characteristics, then cost is reduced, but the exhaust solenoid valve operates twice as frequently and has shorter life
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust solenoid valve function is segmented into two separate valves (first exhaust solenoid valve and second exhaust solenoid valve). These two valves share the exhaust control duty, reducing the operational frequency of each individual valve to match that of the supply solenoid valve, thereby extending their service life while maintaining cost efficiency through identical valve specifications.
2Measurement precision
If the exhaust solenoid valve operates more frequently to maintain pressure control, then pressure control precision is improved, but the valve wear increases and life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust control function is divided between two solenoid valves that operate alternately or in parallel. This segmentation reduces the number of operations per valve while maintaining the overall exhaust control capability, thus preserving pressure control precision without excessive wear on individual valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit alternates the operation of the first and second exhaust solenoid valves in periodic cycles. This periodic action ensures that each valve operates at a reduced frequency compared to a single valve system, extending their operational life while maintaining continuous exhaust control functionality.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If two exhaust solenoid valves are used instead of one, then the operational frequency of each valve is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second exhaust solenoid valves are designed with identical specifications and flow rate characteristics, making them universal components that can interchangeably perform the exhaust control function. This universality simplifies the overall system design despite the increased number of valves, as the identical components reduce design complexity compared to using different types of valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The two exhaust solenoid valves are configured with different connection arrangements to the pilot chamber (first valve connected to first communication channel, second valve to second communication channel). This local differentiation in connection quality allows the valves to share the operational load while maintaining identical valve characteristics, balancing complexity reduction with functional distribution.
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 configuration reduces the operational frequency of the exhaust solenoid valves, extends the system's lifespan, and lowers maintenance costs by ensuring the solenoid valves have identical wear patterns and operational demands.
Implementation Method 1
a supply solenoid valve (14) which opens and closes a communication channel (66) placing an inlet port (28) and a pilot chamber (54) in communication with each other
Data Source
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AI summary
A solenoid valve system (10A) includes a supply solenoid valve (14), a plurality of exhaust solenoid valves (16, 18), and a valve control section (126) controlling opening and closing operation of the supply solenoid valve (14) and the plurality of exhaust solenoid valves (16, 18) using PWM or PFM. The plurality of exhaust solenoid valves (16, 18) are disposed in parallel with each other. The supply solenoid valve (14) and the plurality of exhaust solenoid valves (16, 18) have substantially identical flow rate characteristics. The number of the plurality of the exhaust solenoid valves (16, 18) is twice the number of the supply solenoid valve (14).