Solenoid Backstop Shock Absorption via O-Ring Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
High wattage solenoid applications experience failure due to destructive impact loading between the plunger and backstop, leading to impaired movement and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid assembly with a movably mounted backstop and a resilient shock absorbing O-ring positioned between the backstop and frame to cushion the impact, preventing damage to the plunger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the backstop is rigidly attached to the frame, then the solenoid structure is simple and strong, but the plunger suffers from destructive impact loading that deforms it over repeated cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning a resilient dampening element between the backstop and frame before impact occurs. This element absorbs the shock of plunger impact, preventing deformation of the plunger while maintaining structural integrity. The cushioning is pre-positioned in the impact path, ready to deform elastically when the plunger strikes the backstop.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient dampening element serves as an intermediary between the rigid backstop and frame. Instead of allowing direct rigid contact that transmits destructive impact forces to the plunger, the dampening element mediates the interaction by absorbing and dissipating impact energy through elastic deformation, thereby protecting the plunger while maintaining the simple rigid structure of the backstop and frame.
2Reliability
If the backstop is made movable with shock absorption, then the plunger service life is extended, but the backstop mounting becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient dampening element is pre-positioned between the backstop and frame to absorb impact forces before they can damage the plunger. This beforehand cushioning allows the backstop to be movable while protecting the plunger, extending service life without requiring complex active control systems or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the backstop mounting from rigid fixed to movable by introducing the resilient dampening element. This parameter change allows the backstop to move slightly under impact, absorbing energy and extending plunger life, while the simplicity of the implementation keeps the overall device complexity low.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a resilient dampening element is added between backstop and frame, then impact damage to plunger is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient dampening element acts as an intermediary component that absorbs impact forces between the plunger and backstop. This single element protects the plunger from harmful impact loading while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall solenoid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient dampening element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. By using a simple elastomeric or rubber element rather than a complex mechanical shock absorption system, the patent protects the plunger from impact damage while keeping the added complexity and cost minimal.
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
The shock absorbing O-ring effectively dampens the impact between the plunger and backstop, extending the solenoid assembly's service life by preventing deformation and maintaining reliable operation over repeated cycles.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient dampening element is positioned between the frame and the backstop for cushioning the impact between the backstop and the plunger
Implementation Method 2
A resilient, shock absorbing ring encircles the backstop and is positioned between the backstop and the frame for preventing damage to the plunger upon impacting the backstop
Implementation Method 3
a solenoid having a coil provided with a passageway and a plunger movable within the passageway upon application of electrical power to the coil
Implementation Method 4
Application of electrical power to the coil will move the plunger between an energized, latched position and a de-energized, unlatched position
Implementation Method 5
When power to the coil is removed and a set of permanent magnets in the frame is used to hold the plunger in its latched position
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid assembly includes a solenoid having a coil provided with a passageway and a plunger movable within the passageway upon application of electrical power to the coil. A frame holds the solenoid and includes a backstop movably mounted in the frame extending into the coil passageway. The backstop is selectively engaged by the plunger such that the backstop and the plunger are subjected to an impact therebetween. A resilient dampening element is positioned between the frame and the backstop for cushioning the impact between the backstop and the plunger.