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 force introduction into the armature, leading to inefficient switching behavior.
Innovation Solution
A fluid valve design featuring a pivotable armature with a bearing section and spring-loading, allowing for lower switching currents by utilizing a magnetic drive unit with a U-shaped core and pivotable mounting, enabling efficient pivoting of the valve closing body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the armature is linearly displaced by the magnetic field, then the valve can be switched, but high currents are required due to low force introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is designed to pivot dynamically rather than move linearly. The bearing section allows rotational movement about a pivot point, converting the magnetic force into rotational motion that more efficiently actuates the valve closing element. This dynamic pivoting mechanism improves force transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear displacement (one-dimensional movement) to rotational pivoting (angular movement in a different dimension). The armature rotates about a pivot point rather than moving straight, changing the dimension of motion to achieve better mechanical advantage and force introduction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the armature is pivotally mounted with a bearing section, then switching behavior is improved with lower currents, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of redesigning the entire drive unit, the invention introduces a localized bearing section at a specific point on the armature. This localized pivot point provides the necessary rotational capability without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire device, thus minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing section acts as an intermediary element between the magnetic field and the valve closing element. It provides a simple pivot point that facilitates rotational movement without requiring complex linkages or mechanisms, serving as a minimal-complexity mediator that enables efficient force transmission.
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 achieves improved switching behavior with reduced current requirements, enabling cost-effective and efficient operation of the fluid valve by introducing high force through a compact magnetic circuit.
Implementation Method 1
an armature movable by the energization of the coil and the resulting magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic drive unit for a valve closing element (8)... a core (3), a coil (4) partially surrounding the core (3)... when the coil (4) is energized, the armature (5) is pivoted towards the core (3)
Implementation Method 3
the armature is spring-loaded, so that the rest position is assumed by the effect of the spring force, and, in the energized state, the armature is pivoted towards the core against the spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid valve (1) comprising a magnetic drive unit (2) for a valve closing element (8), wherein the drive unit (2) has a core (3), a coil (4) partially surrounding the core (3) and an armature (5) movable by the current energizing the coil (4) and the resulting magnetic force, wherein a bearing section (5.2) is provided on the armature (5) which has a bearing point (5.3) by means of which the armature (5) is pivotably mounted on a base body (6) of the drive unit (2).