Solenoid Valve Coil Temperature Monitoring via Current Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the temperature of a solenoid valve's coil wire using a temperature sensor on the housing provide only an approximate value, risking overheating and damage, as the measured temperature does not accurately represent the actual coil wire temperature.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the current intensity of the coil wire at specific times during current rise, calculates the current gradient, compares it to a predefined threshold, and adjusts the current flow by modifying the duty ratio or number of pulses in the actuation signal to prevent overheating, thereby directly and accurately monitoring the coil wire temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is fitted on the housing of the solenoid valve to measure temperature, then the temperature monitoring function is provided, but the measurement precision is insufficient as it only provides an approximated value of the actual coil temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensor system with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using a temperature sensor to directly measure coil temperature, the invention uses a current sensor to measure the current flowing through the coil and calculates temperature based on the relationship between current and temperature. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the coil while achieving accurate temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces current as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure coil temperature. Rather than measuring temperature directly, the system measures the current flowing through the coil, which correlates with temperature, and uses this intermediary measurement to infer the actual coil temperature. This intermediary approach allows for accurate temperature monitoring without physical contact.
2Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors and electrical connections are installed to monitor coil temperature accurately, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing current sensor serve multiple functions: it not only controls the solenoid valve operation but also simultaneously monitors the coil temperature. By enabling the current sensor to perform both actuation and temperature monitoring functions, the invention eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational current for temperature monitoring purposes. The current that is already flowing through the coil for actuation is also utilized as the measurement signal for temperature detection. This self-service approach means the system monitors its own state using existing resources, eliminating the need for additional dedicated monitoring components.
3Reliability
If a temperature sensor is used to monitor coil temperature, then temperature detection is provided, but the reliability decreases due to additional components and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature monitoring function from the physical temperature sensor and relocates it to the electrical control system. By removing the temperature sensor component entirely and implementing temperature detection through electrical current measurement and calculation, the invention eliminates potential failure points associated with physical sensors while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring capability.
4Temperature
If the current flowing through the coil is continuously monitored and adjusted, then the temperature control precision improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement of the current flowing through the coil rather than continuous monitoring. The control unit measures the current at specific intervals during the actuation cycle, calculates the temperature based on these periodic measurements, and adjusts the duty cycle accordingly. This periodic approach provides sufficient temperature control accuracy while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and adjustment.
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 approach allows for precise temperature detection of the coil wire, reduces the risk of overheating, minimizes component and cost requirements, enhances system reliability, and decreases reaction time to temperature changes, ensuring solenoid valve functionality while eliminating the need for additional temperature sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a start pulse bringing about a current rise in the coil wire of the magnet coil
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for monitoring a temperature of a coil wire of a solenoid valve are provides. An actuation signal has actuation intervals which follow one another is used in this case, wherein a start pulse, which causes an increase in current in the coil wire of the magnet coil and has a prespecified pulse duration, and a pulse sequence, which follows the start pulse and has a duty cycle, are provided in each actuation interval. The current intensity of the current flowing through the coil wire of the solenoid valve is measured at two different times during the increase in current, and the current gradient is subsequently calculated from the measured current intensities. A prespecified threshold value for the current gradient is then compared with the calculated current gradient.