Solenoid Valve Actuation with Flat Spring Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid valves used in analysis and medical technology face issues such as metallic armatures coming into contact with the medium, leading to contamination, and lack of continuous and hysteresis-free flow control.
Innovation Solution
A device with a magnet armature suspended by two flat springs, allowing for low-friction and hysteresis-free actuation, and a valve member with an actuation section outside the valve chamber, enabling continuous and precise flow control without metallic contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic armature is used in the solenoid valve, then the actuation force is sufficient, but the medium becomes contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-metallic intermediate component (the valve member made of plastic or other non-metallic material) that mediates between the metallic armature and the medium. The armature actuates the valve member indirectly through magnetic coupling or mechanical connection, allowing the metallic armature to provide sufficient actuation force while the non-metallic valve member prevents medium contamination.
2Device complexity
If a conventional solenoid valve design is used, then the structure is simple, but continuous and hysteresis-free flow control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control by making the valve member continuously adjustable between fully closed and fully open positions. The valve member can be positioned at any intermediate position to modulate flow, enabling continuous and hysteresis-free flow control. This is achieved through proportional actuation of the armature that translates electrical control signals into precise mechanical valve positions.
3Speed
If the valve member is actuated directly by the solenoid, then the response is fast, but metallic contact with the medium occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-metallic intermediate component (the valve member) that mediates between the metallic armature and the medium. The armature actuates the valve member indirectly, allowing fast response times to be maintained while preventing metallic contact with the medium.
4Manufacturing precision
If friction is reduced in the actuation mechanism, then hysteresis is minimized, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms with high friction (such as sliding contacts) with a magnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic armature generates magnetic force to move the valve member without mechanical friction, minimizing hysteresis. The guide sleeve provides minimal guidance while allowing smooth movement, achieving low hysteresis without excessive structural 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
Enables continuous, hysteresis-free, and precisely defined flow control, suitable for analytical and medical applications, with the magnetic force independent of the armature's stroke, allowing for reproducible flow curves.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a magnet armature suspended by two flat springs, allowing for low-friction and hysteresis-free actuation
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet with a magnet armature acting on the actuating section
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for regulating the flow of a fluid is provided with a valve housing having at least two valve connections, which are fluidically connected to one another via a valve chamber, at least one valve seat, which has a fluid connection to the valve chamber and one of the valve connections, a valve element, which has an actuating section located outside of the valve chamber and a closing body located within the valve chamber for the at least one valve seat. An electromagnet having a solenoid armature acts upon the actuating section. The solenoid armature is supported via two flat springs.