Single-Solenoid Double Actuator for Sequential Parallel Plunger Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid actuator devices require multiple solenoids for actuating multiple devices, leading to bulkiness and increased cost, and often necessitate a collinear arrangement of actuators, which is not feasible in all applications.
Innovation Solution
A single solenoid double actuator device that uses a single coil to actuate two plungers at different current values, with the plungers arranged in parallel and biased by separate forces, allowing for sequential actuation using a single magnetic path and reducing power consumption through current pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple solenoids are used to actuate multiple devices, then each device can be actuated independently, but the equipment becomes bulky and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple solenoid actuators into a single integrated device where one solenoid coil actuates multiple plungers simultaneously. The solenoid body houses both plungers within a single magnetic circuit, eliminating the need for separate solenoid housings and reducing overall equipment volume while maintaining independent actuation capability through separate plunger pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The single solenoid coil serves multiple functions by actuating both plungers through a shared magnetic field. The magnetic circuit is designed to distribute magnetic flux to both plungers simultaneously, allowing one coil to perform the work of multiple coils while reducing component count and equipment size.
2Volume of moving object
If a single coil actuates multiple plungers, then equipment size and cost are reduced, but the actuators must be arranged in collinear fashion which is not feasible in all applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a collinear arrangement to a parallel arrangement of plungers by utilizing a multi-dimensional magnetic circuit design. The magnetic flux paths are configured to extend in different spatial directions from the solenoid coil, allowing plungers to be positioned side-by-side rather than end-to-end, thereby enabling parallel mounting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic circuit is segmented into separate flux paths that can independently reach different plungers positioned in parallel. This segmentation allows each plunger to have its own magnetic actuation pathway while sharing the common solenoid coil, providing spatial flexibility for non-collinear arrangements.
3Device complexity
If a single magnetic circuit is used for both plungers, then construction is simplified, but one plunger may be actuated before the other due to unequal magnetic flux distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit is designed with different local properties for different flux paths. The magnetic reluctance, cross-sectional area, or path length are locally adjusted for each plunger's magnetic circuit to ensure that despite the single coil input, both plungers receive equal magnetic force and actuate simultaneously. This local customization of magnetic path characteristics compensates for the simplified single-coil structure.
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
Enables actuation of two devices with a single solenoid without the need for collinear arrangement, reducing bulkiness and cost, while allowing for sequential actuation and lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid device includes an electromagnetic coil, which generates magnetic flux when a current is passed through the coil
Implementation Method 2
The generated magnetic flux is used to attract a plunger towards a fixed core of the electromagnetic coil
Implementation Method 3
A spring member is disposed between the plunger and the fixed core. When passage of current to the electromagnetic coil is stopped, the magnetic force decreases, and the plunger is moved away from the fixed core by the biasing force of the spring member
Data Source
AI summary
A single solenoid based double actuator device 100 is disclosed having a first actuator 106 configured for linear movement between actuated and dropped positions along an axis of a winding 102 and biased towards dropped position, and a second actuator 120 arranged spaced apart from the first actuator 106 for linear movement between actuated and dropped positions and biased towards dropped position. A pair of magnetic paths, an upper magnetic path 130, and a lower magnetic path 132, is provided at two ends of the actuators such that first actuator, upper plate 130, second actuator 120 and lower plate 132 provide a magnetic path for a magnetic field generated on passing a current through the winding 102. On passing a current exceeding a first current value, through the winding, one of the actuators is actuated, and on the current exceeding a second current value, other actuator is also actuated.