Solenoid Valve Controller Using PWM and Shared Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid-operated valves with multiple coils face challenges in reducing size and cost while maintaining reliable operation, especially under reduced power consumption and external shocks, due to limited space for control circuits and instability of movable members.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid-operated valve controller that selects and controls solenoid coils using a switch and control circuit, alternating between rated and reduced power modes to maintain position stability, even under shock conditions, and accommodates reduced space requirements by sharing signal lines as power lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the solenoid-operated valve is actuated at reduced power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the movable member becomes unstable under external shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit applies power to the solenoid coil periodically using pulse-width modulation (PWM), switching between ON and OFF states at high frequency. This periodic action maintains the movable member's position with reduced average power consumption while preventing drift under external shocks through frequent repositioning commands
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the valve's operational state and adjust the solenoid coil activation accordingly. This feedback ensures the movable member returns to and maintains its commanded position even when subjected to external shocks, while optimizing power consumption by avoiding continuous full-power activation
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the solenoid-operated valve is reduced, then compactness is improved, but the space for control circuits is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is integrated directly into the solenoid coil assembly, merging the control function with the actuation mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate control circuit housing and reduces overall valve size while maintaining full control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid coil structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the electromagnetic actuator and the control circuit mounting platform. The coil housing and structural elements are designed to accommodate control electronics, making the same components serve dual purposes and reducing total device volume
3Manufacturing precision
If individual control circuits are installed for each solenoid coil, then control precision is improved, but the device becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single control circuit is designed to manage multiple solenoid coils through shared control lines and multiplexing techniques. This consolidated approach maintains precise control over each coil while reducing the total number of control circuits needed, thereby lowering complexity and manufacturing cost
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 controller effectively reduces the size and cost of solenoid-operated valves, ensures reliable operation by preventing simultaneous coil energization, and maintains position stability during external shocks, even in reduced power modes, enhancing versatility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first solenoid coil 24A for moving the first movable member 18A in the one direction
Implementation Method 2
applying a rated voltage to the solenoid coil of a solenoid-operated valve, for a predetermined period based on a drive command signal, and then applying a holding voltage lower than the rated voltage to the solenoid coil
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid-operated valve controller includes a first signal line and a second signal line, which are connected respectively to ends of a first solenoid coil and a second solenoid coil. The first solenoid coil and the second solenoid coil have other ends, which are electrically connected in common to a switch. One of the first and second solenoid coils, which corresponds to signal states of a plurality of input signals that are supplied respectively to the first and second signal lines, is selected, and the switch is turned on and off to control the selected one of the first and second solenoid coils.