Solenoid Device Sequential Plunger Attraction Single Coil

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solenoid devices require multiple electromagnetic coils to attract multiple plungers in a predetermined order, leading to high manufacturing costs due to the complexity and number of coils needed.

Innovation Solution

A solenoid device design where a single electromagnetic coil with a yoke and multiple plungers and fixed cores creates distinct magnetic circuits with varying gaps, allowing magnetic flux to flow through different paths to attract plungers sequentially without the need for additional coils, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If multiple electromagnetic coils are used to attract multiple plungers in predetermined order, then the plungers can be attracted sequentially, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequential plunger attractionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electromagnetic coils are merged into a single electromagnetic coil. The patent uses one electromagnetic coil that generates magnetic flux flowing through multiple magnetic circuits (first magnetic circuit through first plunger, second magnetic circuit through second plunger) to attract multiple plungers sequentially, eliminating the need for separate coils for each plunger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single electromagnetic coil performs multiple functions by serving as the actuator for multiple plungers. The coil generates magnetic flux that can attract the first plunger, then the second plunger, and potentially more plungers, making one component perform the work of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If multiple electromagnetic coils are used to attract multiple plungers, then sequential attraction is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequential plunger attractionVSAvoidnumber of electromagnetic coils

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electromagnetic coils are merged into a single electromagnetic coil. The patent uses one electromagnetic coil that generates magnetic flux flowing through multiple magnetic circuits (first magnetic circuit through first plunger, second magnetic circuit through second plunger) to attract multiple plungers sequentially, eliminating the need for separate coils for each plunger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic circuit is segmented into multiple paths. The patent divides the magnetic circuit into a first magnetic circuit (yoke, first plunger, first fixed core) and a second magnetic circuit (yoke, second plunger, second fixed core), allowing sequential activation of different plungers through controlled magnetic flux flow in different paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electromagnetic coils are used, then each plunger can be attracted independently, but the manufacture cost tends to be high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent plunger attractionVSAvoidmanufacture cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic circuit is segmented into multiple paths. The patent divides the magnetic circuit into a first magnetic circuit (yoke, first plunger, first fixed core) and a second magnetic circuit (yoke, second plunger, second fixed core), allowing sequential activation of different plungers through controlled magnetic flux flow in different paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls which magnetic circuit the magnetic flux flows through by changing the magnetic circuit parameters (gap sizes). The first magnetic circuit has a first gap and the second magnetic circuit has a second gap, and by controlling the magnetic flux flow through these gaps, independent attraction of different plungers is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solenoid device effectively attracts multiple plungers in a predetermined order while minimizing the number of electromagnetic coils required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and enabling miniaturization.

Implementation Method 1

a first electromagnetic coil for generating magnetic flux when current passes through the first electromagnetic coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the first plunger is attracted toward the first fixed core by magnetic force, which is generated by a flow of the magnetic flux in the first magnetic circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9136053B2Solenoid device

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 ANDEN CORP

AI summary

A solenoid device includes: a first electromagnetic coil; first and second plungers movable according to energization to the first electromagnetic coil; first and second fixed cores facing the first and second plungers, respectively; and a yoke. When the first electromagnetic coil is not energized, first and second gaps are formed between the first and second plungers and the first and second fixed cores, respectively. When the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the magnetic flux flows in a first magnetic circuit, provided by the first plunger, the first fixed core and the yoke, via the first gap, and a second magnetic circuit, provided by the first and second plungers, the first and second fixed cores and the yoke, via the first and second gaps, so that the first and second plungers are attracted toward the first and second fixed cores.