Pilot Solenoid Valve Bypass Flow Path for Shorter Plunger Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pilot solenoid valves require a large electromagnetic force due to the need for a plunger stroke equal to or larger than the main flow path opening, hindering miniaturization and power saving.
Innovation Solution
The pilot solenoid valve design includes a diaphragm portion, a back pressure chamber, primary and secondary flow paths, and an auxiliary valve system with a secondary auxiliary flow path that bypasses the main valve, minimizing the plunger stroke and enabling miniaturization and power saving through a coaxial configuration and specific flow path geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plunger stroke is made equal to or larger than the main flow path opening stroke, then the main flow path can be reliably opened and closed, but a large electromagnetic force is required which prevents miniaturization and power saving
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into two independent valve mechanisms: a main valve for controlling the main flow path and an auxiliary valve for controlling the auxiliary flow path. Each valve has its own plunger with independently optimized stroke lengths, allowing the auxiliary valve plunger to have a shorter stroke while the main valve plunger maintains the required stroke for reliable main flow path control.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary flow path is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that provides an additional route for liquid flow. This auxiliary path includes an auxiliary valve that can open independently, allowing the system to achieve reliable flow control without requiring the main valve plunger to undergo a large stroke, thereby reducing the electromagnetic force requirement.
2Force
If the plunger stroke is reduced for miniaturization and power saving, then electromagnetic force requirements are reduced, but the reliability of main flow path opening and closing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into two independent valve mechanisms: a main valve for controlling the main flow path and an auxiliary valve for controlling the auxiliary flow path. Each valve has its own plunger with independently optimized stroke lengths, allowing the auxiliary valve plunger to have a shorter stroke while the main valve plunger maintains the required stroke for reliable main flow path control.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary flow path is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that provides an additional route for liquid flow. This auxiliary path includes an auxiliary valve that can open independently, allowing the system to achieve reliable flow control without requiring the main valve plunger to undergo a large stroke, thereby reducing the electromagnetic force requirement.
3Productivity
If a complex flow path configuration is used to improve flow rate performance, then flow rate is enhanced, but device complexity increases making assembly and maintenance more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The main flow path and auxiliary flow path are merged into a single valve body structure, sharing common components such as the valve seat and housing. This integration allows the system to provide multiple flow paths while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance compared to separate valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body and valve seat are designed to serve multiple functions: they control both the main flow path and the auxiliary flow path, and can accommodate both the main valve plunger and auxiliary valve plunger. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the device structure while maintaining enhanced flow rate performance.
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 reduces the electromagnetic force required, allowing for miniaturization and power saving while maintaining responsiveness and flow rate performance, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary valve drive unit (for example, a core 42, a coil 43, and a magnet 44 to be described later) which drives the auxiliary valve
Implementation Method 2
a main valve (for example, a main valve 60 to be described later) which constitutes the diaphragm portion and switches an interruption and a communication between the primary portion and the secondary portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pilot solenoid valve capable of bringing the strokes of a plunger to a necessary minimum and capable of achieving solenoid valve miniaturization and power saving. A pilot solenoid valve is provided with a diaphragm section, a primary side section, a secondary side section, a main valve, a back pressure chamber, a primary side auxiliary flow path, a secondary side auxiliary flow path, an auxiliary valve, and an auxiliary valve drive unit, wherein the secondary side auxiliary flow path is not formed in the main valve but rather is formed in the area around the main valve so as to bypass the main valve.