Pot Magnet Valve Actuator Pressure Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic valves with pot magnet actuators are not suitable for high-pressure applications, particularly in high-pressure hydraulics, due to the requirement for large magnetic forces, which leads to increased installation space, weight, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The valve design includes a magnet housing with pressure-tight sealed passages for electrical connections, allowing the coil space to be sealed effectively, reducing the magnetic forces needed by maintaining equal pressure conditions on both sides of the closing element, and using small seals like O-rings for control, with options for lateral connection sealing and adjustable components to compensate for manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the closing element is directly connected to the armature plate in a pot magnet actuator, then high magnetic forces can be achieved for valve actuation, but the installation space, weight, and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic forceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The closing element is divided into two functional parts: a pressure-compensated closing element and a force-transmitting anchor plate. The anchor plate receives the magnetic force from the pot magnet and transmits it to the closing element, which interacts with the valve seat. This segmentation allows the magnetic actuator to be smaller while still achieving the required closing force, as the force transmission is optimized through the anchor plate connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stress or pressure

If the coil space is sealed with large seals to maintain pressure tightness, then high-pressure applications are enabled, but the device complexity and sealing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidsealing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of pressure differential across the coil space into a beneficial force. By sealing the coil space and applying system pressure to it, the pressure creates an additional force that supports the closing element, reducing the burden on the magnetic actuator. This allows the use of smaller seals and simplifies the overall sealing requirements while enabling high-pressure applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enables the use of electromagnetic valves in high-pressure applications with low magnetic forces, resulting in compact and efficient actuators suitable for high-pressure hydraulics without significant increases in size or power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic actuator constructed in the manner of a pot magnet and an armature plate which can be actuated by the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

closing element which interacts with a valve seat and is pressure-compensated via a connecting channel in the closing element, the coil chamber to which pressure is thereby applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure compensation: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP1870621B8Valve for controlling fluids
Publication Date: 2008.10.29 HOERBIGER AUTOMATISIERUNGSTECHN HLDG

AI summary

The valve has an electromagnetic actuator constructed based on a type of a pot magnet, and an anchor plate that is activated by the actuator, which has a closing unit. The closing unit cooperates with a valve seat and is pressure-compensated by a connection channel. A winding area (20) of the actuator is implemented in a pressure tight manner. A magnet housing (8) surrounding the winding area in a side lying opposite to the plate is closed with a cover (13) that has a pressure tight and sealed passage openings (12) for electrical connections (11) of winding (9) of the magnet.