Solenoid Control System with Reduced Hold Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated peritoneal dialysis machines face challenges in power efficiency and adaptability to different operating voltages, leading to issues with fluid heating and solenoid operation, particularly in battery-powered systems where power consumption needs to be minimized to extend battery life and prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a solenoid system using solenoid coil current sensing for feedback to reduce power dissipation and optimize hold current levels, combined with a dual supply line voltage fluid heating system that automatically configures for different AC line voltages and reduces heat generation, thereby improving power efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solenoid hold current is reduced to save power in battery-powered systems, then power consumption decreases and battery life extends, but solenoid reliability may deteriorate due to insufficient holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing of solenoid armature position to detect whether the armature remains actuated. Instead of continuously monitoring, the system periodically checks the armature position during the hold state. This periodic action allows the system to maintain reduced hold current while detecting potential failures, thus extending battery life without completely sacrificing reliability monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by sensing the armature position through current sensing circuits that detect changes in coil current corresponding to armature movement. The sensed position information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the hold current accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the solenoid maintains reliable operation at reduced current levels by verifying the armature remains properly actuated throughout the hold period.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual supply line voltage fluid heating system is implemented to adapt to different operating voltages, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by detecting the input AC line voltage level and automatically adjusting the heating element configuration accordingly. The system senses whether the input voltage is high or low and switches between different heating element connections (series or parallel) to maintain appropriate heating power. This parameter adaptation allows the system to work with different voltages without requiring complex voltage conversion circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a heating system that can operate with both high and low AC line voltages using the same basic hardware components. Through configurable switching of heating elements and automatic voltage detection, the single heating system serves multiple voltage conditions, eliminating the need for separate heating systems for different voltage regions and reducing overall device complexity.
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 solution achieves significant power savings, reduces heat generation, and enhances solenoid reliability, allowing for safer and more efficient operation of automated peritoneal dialysis machines by optimizing solenoid hold power and fluid heating across varying voltage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid system using solenoid coil current sensing for feedback to reduce power dissipation and optimize hold current levels
Implementation Method 2
solenoid system using solenoid coil current sensing for feedback to reduce power dissipation and optimize hold current levels
Implementation Method 3
dual supply line voltage fluid heating system that automatically configures for different AC line voltages and reduces heat generation
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical solenoid control system with reduced hold current includes an electromechanical solenoid including an armature and a coil; a voltage source; a resistor placed in an electrical line between the voltage source and the solenoid coil; a switching device configured to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil; and a control element connected electrically to the switching device, the control element operable to receive a signal from the electrical line and use the signal to control the switching device to selectively apply power from the voltage source to the solenoid coil.