Solenoid Valve Detection Plate for Installation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid valves in fire suppression systems often have magnetic coils that are not properly reinstalled after testing, leading to undetected improper installation, which can render the system inoperable during a fire.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve with a detection device and detection plate that interact to produce a signal indicating proper installation, using a limit switch, push button, light sensor, proximity sensor, or RFID sensor to ensure the solenoid portion is correctly installed on the valve body, with a rotatable detection plate for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic coils are removed for testing, then system reliability is improved through detection of improper installation, but device complexity increases due to additional detection components
Solution Approach 1:
A detection plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the solenoid portion and valve body. The detection plate interacts with a detection device to provide passive installation verification without requiring complex active sensing mechanisms in the main solenoid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection plate serves itself by being passively positioned during installation. When the solenoid portion is properly installed on the valve body, the detection plate automatically assumes its correct position to engage with the detection device, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex positioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If detection devices are added to monitor installation, then installation accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection plate is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. This allows the system to use a low-cost passive detection element rather than expensive active sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is extracted from the main solenoid assembly and implemented as a separate, simple detection device that works in conjunction with the detection plate. This separation allows the main solenoid to remain simple while adding minimal complexity for detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If the detection plate is made rotatable for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection plate is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during installation. This rotational freedom simplifies the installation process by allowing the plate to be oriented correctly as it is being installed, rather than requiring precise alignment from the start.
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
Ensures proper installation of solenoid valves, enhancing system reliability by providing audible and visual indications of correct operation, reducing maintenance needs, and maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coil contained therein is properly operating
Implementation Method 2
The detection device is a limit switch having a plunger. The plunger is actuated by the detection plate to produce the signal when the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body.
Implementation Method 3
the detection device and the detection plate can interact using a proximity sensor on one of the detection device and the detection plate that senses the proximity of the other of the detection device and detection plate
Implementation Method 4
the detection device and the detection plate can interact using an RFID sensor located on one of the detection device and the detection plate and an RFID chip located on the other of the detection device and the detection plate
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a solenoid valve are provided. The solenoid valve includes a solenoid portion having a housing. The housing has a first bore and a second bore with the first bore adapted to receive a first end of an armature assembly and the first bore being surrounded by a magnetic coil. The solenoid valve also includes a valve body. The valve body is adapted to receive a second end of the armature assembly. The solenoid valve further includes a detection device located in the second bore and a detection plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valve body. The detection device interacts with the detection plate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body.