Solenoid Valve Flyback Control for Phased Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural fluid dispensing systems using phased valves experience uneven fluid flow, pressure spikes, and high electrical power consumption due to simultaneous actuation of valves, which affects operating efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a solenoid valve with a drive circuit that includes a semiconductor device and a flyback circuit, controlled by a gate signal to manage coil current and reduce duty cycle or frequency, along with a sub-phase offset to stagger valve actuation, minimizing simultaneous valve openings and closures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple valves are actuated simultaneously to control fluid flow, then flow rate control is achieved, but pressure spikes and fluid flow unevenness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve actuation process by dividing valves into multiple phases and actuating them at different times rather than simultaneously. This segmentation of the actuation sequence eliminates pressure spikes and fluid flow unevenness while maintaining effective flow rate control.
2Speed
If multiple valves are actuated simultaneously, then system response time is reduced, but electrical power consumption increases due to peak current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments valve actuation into phased groups that operate at different times, distributing the electrical load across multiple time intervals. This prevents peak current draw while maintaining system responsiveness through coordinated phased actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic phased actuation where valves are cycled through different phases in a repeating sequence. This periodic distribution of actuation events spreads electrical power consumption over time, eliminating instantaneous peak demand while maintaining effective flow control.
3Stress or pressure
If valves are phased to reduce simultaneous actuation, then pressure spikes are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments valves into phased groups with simple timing offsets, creating a straightforward control structure that reduces pressure spikes without requiring complex control logic. Each phase follows a simple actuation sequence.
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 approach reduces fluctuations in fluid flow and electrical power consumption, enhancing the operating efficiency and accuracy of fluid dispensing while minimizing peak power usage and preventing issues like water hammer and pressure fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid valve includes a solenoid coil, a poppet, and a drive circuit. The poppet is configured to transition within the solenoid valve between a first position and a second position based on a coil current flowing through the solenoid coil.
Implementation Method 2
The flyback circuit is coupled with the solenoid coil, and the flyback circuit includes a second semiconductor device in series with a diode. The second semiconductor device is controlled by a flyback control signal to: (i) enable the flyback circuit to maintain the coil current through the solenoid coil above a threshold value by recirculating the coil current through the solenoid coil, the second semiconductor device, and the diode
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid valve includes a solenoid coil, a poppet, and a drive circuit. A first semiconductor device of the drive circuit is controlled by a gate signal to control a coil current. A flyback circuit of the drive circuit includes a second semiconductor device in series with a diode. The second semiconductor device is controlled by a flyback control signal to: (i) enable the flyback circuit to maintain the coil current through the solenoid coil when the poppet transitions to a second position, and (ii) disable recirculation of the coil current through the solenoid coil when the poppet transitions to a first position. A controller is configured to transition the poppet to the second position using the gate signal, enable the flyback circuit using the flyback control signal, and reduce at least one of a duty cycle and a frequency of the gate signal when the flyback circuit is enabled.