Pivoting Armature Fluid Valve for Lower Switching Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid valves with magnetic drives require high currents to switch due to low magnetic force, leading to inefficient switching behavior.
Innovation Solution
A fluid valve design featuring a pivotable armature with a bearing portion and spring-loading, allowing for lower switching currents by utilizing a U-shaped core and pivotable mounting to achieve high force introduction with reduced stroke, enabling efficient actuation of the valve closing body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If linear shifting of the armature is used, then the structure is simple, but high switching currents are required due to low magnetic force
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is designed to pivot dynamically rather than move linearly, allowing the magnetic force to be applied more effectively. The pivotable mounting enables the armature to rotate about a pivot point, converting the magnetic force into rotational motion that directly actuates the valve closing body with greater mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear one-dimensional movement to rotational two-dimensional movement. By pivoting the armature about an axis, the magnetic force acts in a different dimensional space, creating a longer effective lever arm and improving the mechanical advantage without increasing coil complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If linear shifting of the armature is used, then the mounting is simple, but the actuating force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is designed with a curved or arc-shaped path of motion rather than a straight line. The pivotable mounting creates a rotational arc that allows the magnetic force to be applied perpendicular to the armature, maximizing the torque and actuating force generated for a given magnetic field strength.
3Force
If the armature stroke is increased to improve force, then the actuating force increases, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable armature creates a dynamic lever system where a small rotational displacement generates large actuating force through mechanical advantage. The valve closing body is positioned to maximize the lever arm, allowing compact dimensions while maintaining high force output.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic circuit and mechanical actuation are merged into a single integrated structure. The core and armature form a closed magnetic circuit when actuated, concentrating the magnetic flux directly at the pivot point where it generates maximum torque, eliminating the need for separate force transmission mechanisms.
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
The design improves switching behavior by reducing the required switching currents and achieving high actuating forces with a compact, cost-effective structure, enhancing the fluid valve's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an armature movable by the energization of the coil and the resulting magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
the energization of the coil and the resulting magnetic force
Implementation Method 3
The armature can be spring-loaded so that the rest position is assumed by the effect of the spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid valve having a magnetic drive unit for a valve closing body is provided. The drive unit can include a core, a coil partially surrounding the core, and an armature movable by the energization of the coil and the resulting magnetic force, wherein a bearing portion can be provided at the armature, which bearing portion comprises a bearing area, by which the armature is pivotably mounted on a main body of the drive unit.