Solenoid Pilot Valve Segmentation for Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid actuated pilot valves in residential and commercial irrigation systems require delicate components with significant precision, which are expensive to manufacture and prone to breakage due to the need for small pins and seals, necessitating high assembly precision and being sensitive to power levels.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid actuated pilot valve design featuring a pilot valve housing with a reciprocable shaft and head, utilizing larger piston components and seals that are easier to assemble and less prone to breakage, allowing for efficient operation with low power and reduced component fragility, including a non-latching solenoid with a cylindrical ferrous core plunger and piston, and elastomeric seals for water-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If small pins and seals are used in three-way solenoid actuated pilot valves, then the valve can operate with low power, but the components become expensive to manufacture and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve is divided into two separate two-way pilot valves sharing a common solenoid and control chamber. This segmentation allows each valve to use larger, more robust pins and seals while maintaining low power operation through the shared solenoid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single solenoid serves multiple functions by controlling both two-way pilot valves through a common control chamber. This multi-functionality maintains power efficiency while allowing each valve path to have its own durable sealing components.
2Volume of moving object
If small pins and seals are used in three-way solenoid actuated pilot valves, then the valve structure is compact, but assembly precision requirements increase and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the three-way valve into two two-way valves, each with its own sealing surfaces and components, the assembly precision requirements for each individual valve are reduced. The modular structure allows for easier assembly while maintaining a compact overall design.
3Measurement precision
If delicate components with significant precision are used, then the valve can control water flow precisely, but the components become expensive to manufacture and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into two independent two-way valve paths allows each path to have simple, robust components that are easier and less expensive to manufacture. Flow control precision is maintained through the independent control of each path while using durable, easily manufactured components.
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 design enables reliable and efficient operation with reduced component fragility and assembly complexity, allowing for effective control of water flow with lower power requirements and improved manufacturing ease, enhancing the durability and reliability of solenoid actuated pilot valves.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid actuated pilot valve includes a pilot valve housing defining a pilot valve chamber having a first port and a second port. The pilot valve further includes a solenoid having a reciprocable shaft.
Implementation Method 2
A first seal on the head seals a first end of the first port when the solenoid is in a first state and a second seal on the head seals a first end of the second port when the solenoid is in a second state.
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid actuated pilot valve includes a pilot valve housing defining a pilot valve chamber and a solenoid. The solenoid includes and end cap connected to the pilot valve housing, a reciprocable plunger, and a piston having a shaft with a first end connected to and end of the plunger and a second end connected to a piston head. The end cap has a bore through which the shaft of the piston reciprocates and a first port separate from the bore. A first seal on a first side of the piston head is provided for sealing a first end of the first port. A second seal on a second side of the piston head is provided for sealing a first end of a second port in the pilot valve housing.