Plug Adapter for Serial Bus Control of Solenoid Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling solenoid valves in motor vehicles are limited by the number of power outputs available in the control unit, restricting the number of solenoid valves that can be controlled and resulting in unnecessary high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A plug adapter that allows solenoid valves already mounted in a motor vehicle to be connected to a higher-level serial bus system, featuring a solenoid valve connector and an electronic component, such as a microcontroller, for processing control signals and controlling the solenoid valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each solenoid valve is connected to a separate power output of the control unit, then the valve can be reliably controlled, 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 multiple solenoid valves to a single power output through serial communication. This intermediary translates control signals and distributes power to multiple valves, enabling one power output to control many valves without requiring a separate power output for each valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is enhanced with multi-functional capabilities through serial communication protocols that allow a single power output to perform multiple valve control functions. The system can address and control multiple different valves through one communication channel, making the power output universal rather than dedicated to a single valve.
2Reliability
If maximum current is provided to ensure safe opening at maximum opposing force, then valve opening is guaranteed, but power consumption is unnecessarily high
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the current supplied to each solenoid valve based on actual operating conditions rather than always providing maximum current. Sensors detect parameters such as fluid pressure and valve position, and the control unit modulates the current accordingly, providing just enough current to open the valve under current conditions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor valve position, fluid pressure, and other operating parameters. This feedback is continuously sent to the control unit, which adjusts the current output in real-time to match actual needs, ensuring reliable valve operation only when necessary and minimizing power consumption during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves are replaced with integrated LIN bus valves, then connection to serial bus system is enabled, but existing valves require complete dismantlement and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the communication interface from the valve body, creating a separate adapter module that interfaces with the existing valve's electrical connector. This adapter contains the LIN bus communication hardware and connects to the valve without requiring modification to the valve itself, allowing the communication protocol to be changed while keeping the valve intact.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adapter or gateway device is introduced between the existing solenoid valve and the LIN bus system. This intermediary handles the serial communication protocol conversion and connects to the valve through its existing electrical connector, enabling serial bus compatibility without requiring replacement of the original valve or complex dismantlement work.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug adapter connects to a solenoid valve already mounted in a motor vehicle. The plug adapter has a plug connector for receiving an electrical control signal from a control unit of the motor vehicle for operating the solenoid valve. The plug adapter includes a solenoid valve connector for detachable coupling of the plug adapter to the plug connector of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve connector and the plug connector are matched to one another in terms of plug form and electrical signal transmission. An electronics component, such as a microcontroller, processes an electrical output signal for operating the solenoid valve when an electrical connection is established between the electronics component and the solenoid valve via the solenoid valve connector when the plug adapter is plugged into the plug connector.