Solenoid Valve Current Control for Disturbance-Resistant Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid valve controls struggle to maintain a predetermined switching state with high energy efficiency when faced with external disturbance factors such as magnetic fields or accelerations, leading to undesired changes in coil current and valve position.
Innovation Solution
A controller regulates the coil current to a pull-in current during a first time period and a holding current during a second time period, increasing the holding current by at least 20% when a threshold is exceeded to counteract disturbances, ensuring the valve remains in the desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the holding current is reduced to less than 70% of the pull-in current for energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but the valve becomes vulnerable to external disturbances such as magnetic fields and accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the coil current and compares it against threshold values. When the current exceeds the first threshold (indicating external disturbance), the controller automatically increases the holding current to a second, higher value. This feedback mechanism ensures the valve remains stable against disturbances while maintaining energy efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding current is made dynamic rather than static. The controller switches between two holding current values (first holding current < 70% of pull-in current, and second holding current > first holding current) based on real-time coil current measurements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize energy consumption during stable operation while providing enhanced stability when disturbances occur.
2Reliability
If the holding current is increased by at least 20% during disturbances, then valve position stability is improved, but energy consumption increases temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The increased holding current is applied periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit activates the second holding current only when disturbances are detected (when coil current exceeds the first threshold), and deactivates it when the system returns to normal operation. This periodic application minimizes energy consumption while maintaining valve stability during critical moments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the controller monitors coil current continuously and adjusts holding current dynamically, then resistance to external disturbances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors changes in coil current parameters and triggers holding current adjustment when predefined threshold values are exceeded. By using simple threshold-based parameter comparison rather than complex algorithms, the system achieves effective disturbance resistance with minimal control circuit complexity. The thresholds are set during normal operation to detect disturbances caused by magnetic fields or accelerations.
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 solution effectively maintains the solenoid valve's switching state by preventing undesirable movements due to external disturbances, enhancing energy efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve (2) with a valve housing (17) through which a fluid channel (23) extends between an inlet connection (21) and an outlet connection (22) and in which a valve element (20) is arranged, which is movable between a first operating position and a second operating position, with a solenoid coil (5)
Implementation Method 2
the controller (38) is designed to supply a coil current (I2) to the solenoid coil (5) in order to transfer the valve element (20) from the first operating position to the second operating position and/or to hold the valve element (20) in the second operating position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve control for controlling a solenoid valve, with a controller which has an input interface for receiving a switching signal and an output interface for coupling a solenoid valve and which is designed to process the switching signal and to supply a coil current dependent on the switching signal to the output interface. The controller is designed to regulate the coil current to an pull-in current during a first time period and to regulate the coil current to a holding current which is less than 70 percent of the pull-in current during a subsequent second time period, and to increase the holding current by at least 20 percent for a limited period of time during the second period when a predetermined coil current threshold value is exceeded.