Channel Selector Valve Sleeve Structure for Solenoid Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing channel selector valves require additional parts and increased assembly time due to the need for isolating members like diaphragms to prevent foreign substances from entering the solenoid, leading to higher production costs and reduced durability over time, especially with rubber diaphragms whose hardness changes with temperature.

Innovation Solution

A channel selector valve design that eliminates the need for isolating members by using a sliding contact between the valve body and the body's inner periphery at both axial ends, creating separate spaces that communicate through a valve body, allowing for axial movement to separate and prevent foreign substances from entering non-channel areas, thus reducing parts and assembly time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a diaphragm is provided to isolate the solenoid and sleeve from each other, then foreign substances are prevented from entering the solenoid, but the number of parts and assembly man-hours increase leading to higher production costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of foreign substances entering solenoidVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the isolation function directly into the valve body structure by forming a sealed chamber that contains the spool valve. The valve body itself acts as the isolating barrier, merging the functions of fluid distribution and isolation into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for separate diaphragms or isolating members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a rubber diaphragm is used for isolation, then foreign substances are prevented from entering, but durability decreases after many years of use due to material degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of foreign substances entering solenoidVSAvoiddurability of isolating member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the use of rubber diaphragms that degrade over time by employing a metal valve body with integrated sealing features. The valve body and spool valve are designed with precise mating surfaces and sealing structures that maintain their isolation function throughout the service life of the valve, replacing short-lived rubber components with durable metal construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the driving force of the solenoid is increased to account for diaphragm hardness changes with temperature, then displacement is maintained across temperature ranges, but power consumption and running costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement capability across temperature rangesVSAvoidpower consumption of solenoid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for temperature-compensated driving force by removing the rubber diaphragm component whose hardness varies with temperature. The metal valve body and spool valve assembly maintains consistent mechanical properties across temperature ranges, allowing the solenoid to operate with constant, optimized driving force without requiring power adjustments for environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If isolating members like diaphragms are provided, then foreign substances are prevented from entering sensitive areas, but assembly time and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of sensitive areas from foreign substancesVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the isolation function with the valve body structure itself. The valve body is designed with integrated sealing surfaces and a sealed chamber that contains the spool valve, eliminating the need for separate isolating members. This integration reduces the number of assembly steps and components while maintaining effective protection of the solenoid and other sensitive areas from foreign substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces production costs, increases durability by eliminating the need for rubber diaphragms, and simplifies the structure by eliminating the need to adjust driving force based on temperature changes, while maintaining effective prevention of foreign substances from entering sensitive areas.

Implementation Method 1

the outer periphery of the valve body is in sliding contact with an inner periphery of the body at both axial ends thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding contact: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11519519B2Channel selector valve

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 ASTEMO LTD

AI summary

A sleeve is provided inside a body configuring a channel selector valve, and first and second guide portions with which outer peripheries of first and second land portions of a valve body are in sliding contact are formed on one end side and the other end side of the sleeve. The first and second guide portions are formed to axially overlap with the first and second land portions so as to abut the first and second land portions at all times when the valve body axially moves. The valve body includes a plurality of communicating paths penetrating through the valve body in the axial direction, and, in the sleeve, a first space formed on one end side of the valve body and a second space formed on the other end side of the valve body communicate with each other via the communicating paths.