Solenoid Valve Body Segmentation for Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid valves have complex and costly manufacturing processes due to continuous housings that require machining, and assembly is complicated by internal structures and multiple parts, leading to increased effort and error-prone installation.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve design with a valve body divided into two parts, where one part is housed within a sleeve that encloses the electromagnet, allowing for simpler manufacturing and assembly, with guides for positioning and adjustment, and a sealing element that interacts with the armature to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a continuous housing is used to encompass the electromagnet and valve body, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate parts: a sleeve that accommodates the electromagnet and a valve body that controls fluid flow. These parts are manufactured separately using simpler processes (deep-drawing for the sleeve, molding for the valve body) and then connected, eliminating the need for complex machining of a single continuous housing while maintaining structural integrity through the connection interface.
2Volume of moving object
If all valve components are arranged within a single housing, then the compactness is improved, but the assembly complexity increases due to multiple handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two main assemblies: the sleeve containing the electromagnet components and the separate valve body. This segmentation allows each assembly to be prepared independently with fewer handling steps, and then connected through a simplified interface, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to be connected to the sleeve in a nested arrangement, where the valve body partially encompasses the electromagnet assembly. This nesting approach allows compact packaging of all components while simplifying the connection process through a straightforward interface between the two main parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If a multi-part housing is used to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the assembly time and complexity increase due to different spring arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a sleeve and valve body, each manufactured using optimal processes (deep-drawing and molding respectively). The segmentation is designed so that standard spring arrangements can be used in each part without requiring complex custom configurations, enabling parallel preparation of components and reducing total assembly time.
4Device complexity
If a one-piece housing connected to the valve part is used, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the space requirements increase due to prestressing arrangement away from magnet and armature
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a sleeve and valve body, allowing the prestressing mechanism to be integrated within the valve body portion close to the magnet and armature. This eliminates the need for extended space away from the electromagnetic components while maintaining structural simplicity through the segmented design.
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 design reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, and improves precision by allowing for easier connection and adjustment of valve parts, while maintaining a tight and permanent seal, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the solenoid valve.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet with a magnet coil, an armature chamber, an armature guided in the armature chamber and movable by applying current to the magnet coil
Implementation Method 2
an armature spring that interacts with the armature being provided and the armature spring rests on the first valve part arranged in the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The solenoid valve (1) has an electromagnet (10), by which the current is applied to the magnet coil (11), movable armature (13) and a magnetic core (14). The electromagnet is provided for partially enclosing and receiving the sleeve (15). A two-piece valve portion (16) is provided with a primary valve section (17) held inside the sleeve and secondary valve section (18) which is held outside the sleeve and is connectable to the primary valve section.