Solenoid Pump Sawtooth Voltage Driver to Reduce Energy and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic pumps are inefficient in terms of energy usage and mechanical noise, as they rely on half-wave rectified voltage driving methods that waste energy and do not optimize operating frequency for minimal noise.
Innovation Solution
A method of driving a solenoid pump using a periodic driving voltage with a sawtooth waveform, comprising a first portion for increasing voltage to compress the spring, a second portion for rapid decrease to minimum voltage to release the spring, and a third portion at minimum voltage, allowing for control of flow rate through duration, maximum voltage, and frequency adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If half-wave rectified voltage is used to drive the solenoid, then the drive circuit is simple, but energy consumption is high and mechanical noise is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a sawtooth wave driving voltage with specific timing portions. The driving voltage includes a first portion that increases voltage to compress the spring, a second portion that rapidly decreases voltage to release the spring, and a third portion that maintains minimum voltage. This periodic waveform optimizes the balance between simplicity and energy efficiency by controlling the solenoid activation timing precisely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage waveform parameters from traditional half-wave rectified voltage to a customized sawtooth wave with controlled rise and fall times. By adjusting the duration of each portion and the maximum voltage level, the system optimizes energy consumption while maintaining simple drive circuitry. The rapid voltage decrease in the second portion minimizes energy waste when the spring is released.
2Device complexity
If half-wave rectified voltage is used to drive the solenoid, then the drive circuit is simple, but mechanical noise is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic sawtooth wave driving voltage with optimized timing portions reduces mechanical noise by controlling the solenoid activation and deactivation timing. The rapid voltage decrease in the second portion ensures quick spring release, while the third portion maintains minimum voltage to prevent unnecessary solenoid activation, thereby reducing mechanical vibrations and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving voltage waveform adjustable and adaptive. The sawtooth wave parameters (maximum voltage, duration of each portion, frequency) can be optimized to minimize mechanical noise while keeping the drive circuit simple. This dynamic control allows the system to operate at optimal noise levels without complex circuitry.
3Force
If the spring compression time is extended to store more energy, then pumping force is improved, but the pumping frequency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with a specifically designed sawtooth wave where the first portion (voltage increase) duration is optimized to compress the spring to the desired level for sufficient pumping force. The second portion (voltage rapid decrease) is kept substantially shorter than the first portion, enabling quick spring release and resetting. This asymmetric periodic waveform allows the system to achieve both adequate spring compression for force generation and rapid reset for maintaining high pumping frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage waveform parameters to optimize the balance between spring compression time and release time. By controlling the maximum voltage level and the duration of each portion, the system can store sufficient energy in the spring during the first portion while ensuring rapid energy release and system reset during the second portion, thereby maintaining high pumping frequency without sacrificing pumping force.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the voltage decreases slowly from maximum to minimum, then the solenoid has sufficient time to reset, but energy is wasted during the voltage decrease period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly decreasing the voltage from maximum to minimum during the second portion, substantially reducing the time the solenoid is energized against the released spring. This rapid voltage drop minimizes energy waste while the subsequent third portion (maintaining minimum voltage) provides sufficient time for the solenoid to reset properly. The key insight is that the solenoid does not need voltage during the spring release phase, only during the compression phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic sawtooth wave structure separates the voltage application into distinct functional portions. The second portion's rapid voltage decrease is followed by a third portion that maintains minimum voltage, providing a structured timing sequence that ensures proper solenoid reset while minimizing energy waste during the transition phase. This periodic structure optimizes both reset timing and energy efficiency.
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 reduces energy consumption, allows for smaller power supplies, minimizes heat generation, and enables tuning of operating frequency for reduced mechanical noise, potentially operating at frequencies that minimize noise, such as 47 Hz instead of 50 Hz.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical solenoid 5 surrounds the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a metal shuttle urged by a solenoid against a spring with the spring providing the force for a pumping stroke
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Method of driving a solenoid pump of the type comprising a metal shuttle (4) urged by a solenoid (5) against a spring (3), wherein the spring provides the force for the pumping stroke of the shuttle, the method comprising: applying a periodic driving voltage to the solenoid, each period of the driving voltage comprising a first portion during which the driving voltage increases from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage to compress the spring, a second portion during which the driving voltage decreases from the maximum voltage to the minimum voltage to release the spring, and a third portion during which the driving voltage is maintained at the minimum voltage; wherein the duration of the second portion is substantially less than the duration of the first portion and may be substantially instantaneous. The driving voltage increases from the minimum voltage to the maximum voltage substantially linearly during the first portion, such that the driving voltage has a sawtooth waveform.