Plug Adapter With Microcontroller for LIN-Connected Solenoid Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling solenoid valves in motor vehicles are limited by the number of power outputs, leading to high power consumption and the inability to connect already installed valves to higher-level serial bus systems without costly replacement.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in adapter that detachably connects to solenoid valves, featuring a coordinated mechanical and electrical interface, including a microcontroller for signal processing, allowing connection to serial bus systems like LIN, with a compact design for easy maintenance and fluid-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves are connected directly to power outputs of the control unit, then each valve can be controlled reliably, but the number of controllable valves is limited by the number of power outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (adapter or gateway) that connects solenoid valves to the control unit through a serial communication bus instead of direct power output connections. This intermediary translates control signals and enables multiple valves to be controlled through a single communication channel, thereby increasing the number of controllable valves without adding proportional power outputs.
2Reliability
If maximum current is supplied to solenoid valves to ensure reliable opening under maximum opposing force, then valve opening is guaranteed, but power consumption is unnecessarily high during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current control where the current supplied to solenoid valves is adjusted based on actual operating conditions rather than always providing maximum current. The system monitors valve position, fluid pressure, and operational state to modulate current levels, providing high current only when necessary for reliable opening under maximum opposing force, and reducing current during normal operation to minimize power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor valve position and operational status to dynamically adjust current supply. Sensors detect whether the valve is fully open, partially open, or closed, and this information feeds back to the control unit which then adjusts the current level accordingly, ensuring reliable opening when needed while reducing power consumption during steady-state operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves are replaced with integrated LIN bus valves to enable serial bus connection, then connection to higher-level control systems is achieved, but labor and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LIN bus integration function into a separate, detachable adapter component rather than integrating it directly into the solenoid valve body. This allows the adapter to be connected to existing valves without replacing the entire valve assembly, thereby enabling serial bus connectivity while minimizing installation labor and cost. The adapter acts as an independent module that can be attached to any standard solenoid valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug adapter for connection to a solenoid valve that is in particular already installed in a motor vehicle, having a plug connection for receiving an electrical control signal from a controller of the motor vehicle in order to operate the solenoid valve, wherein the plug adapter comprises a solenoid valve connection for releasably coupling the plug adapter to the plug connection of the solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve connection and the plug connection are matched to one another in terms of plug shape and electrical signal transmission, an electronic component, in particular a microcontroller, for processing an electrical output signal in order to operate the solenoid valve, wherein, in the state in which the plug adapter is plugged onto the plug connection, an electrical connection is created between the electronic component and the solenoid valve via the solenoid valve connection.