Series Electromagnet 3/2-Way Valve for Compact High-Pressure Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow regulation devices face challenges in minimizing installation space while maintaining performance and handling higher pressures and flow rates, and they often require complex designs to achieve reliable operation in medical and analytical applications.
Innovation Solution
A 3/2-way valve design featuring a valve housing with two fluid paths, a closing body that can block or open both paths, and an electromagnetic actuating unit with two electromagnets arranged in series, allowing for increased magnetic force and improved dynamics, enabling higher pressures and faster response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If two electromagnets are arranged parallel to one another (conventional design), then the valve can switch between two positions, but the installation space is larger and the magnetic force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel arrangement of electromagnets (2D plane) to a series arrangement along the longitudinal axis (3D space utilization). This dimensional change allows the electromagnets to be stacked one behind the other, reducing the lateral footprint while maintaining the additive magnetic force effect on the closing body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the magnetic forces of two electromagnets arranged in series to act additively on the closing body. By positioning the electromagnets one behind the other along the longitudinal direction, their magnetic forces merge to produce a stronger combined effect, enabling the valve to handle higher pressures without requiring a larger installation space.
2Speed
If conventional valve designs are used, then the structure is simpler, but the response time is slower and dynamics are poorer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closing body with preliminary positioning features that prepare it for rapid actuation. The closing body is pre-positioned near the valve seat with minimal gap, and the electromagnetic actuation system is pre-configured to apply force immediately upon energization, reducing the response time for valve switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the dynamic behavior of the valve by using an closing body with optimized mass and geometry that responds quickly to electromagnetic actuation. The series arrangement of electromagnets provides dynamic force application that accelerates the closing body rapidly, improving switching speed and dynamic performance while maintaining structural integrity.
3Stress or pressure
If a single electromagnet is used, then the device is simpler, but it cannot handle higher pressures effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic forces of two electromagnets arranged in series to act additively on the closing body. By positioning the electromagnets one behind the other along the longitudinal direction, their magnetic forces merge to produce a stronger combined effect, enabling the valve to handle higher pressures without requiring a larger installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameter of the electromagnet arrangement from parallel to series, which fundamentally alters the force generation capability. This parameter change enables the system to generate sufficient magnetic force to overcome higher pressure differentials while maintaining a compact structure suitable for medical and industrial applications.
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 achieves a more compact and high-performance valve arrangement capable of handling higher pressures and flow rates, with improved dynamic behavior and reduced installation space, suitable for medical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuating unit for actuating the closing body, which has a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising a valve housing (20) with at least two valve ports (22, 24, 26), wherein at least one fluid path (30, 32) is formed in the valve housing (20) extending between the at least two valve ports (22, 24, 26), at least one valve seat (64, 66) associated with the at least one fluid path (30, 32), at least one closing element (72) that can be coupled to the at least one valve seat (64, 66) to block or release the at least one fluid path (30, 32), and an electromagnetic actuating unit (16) for actuating the closing element (72), which comprises a first electromagnet (40) and a second electromagnet (42), wherein the first electromagnet (40) and the second electromagnet (42) are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction (62).wherein the first electromagnet (40) has a first movable armature (84) and the second electromagnet (42) has a second movable armature (104), which are movable to generate an armature stroke in the longitudinal direction (62), and wherein the first armature (84) and the second armature (104) are mechanically coupled to transmit the movement. The disclosure further relates to a valve arrangement (10) with such a device (12) for flow control.