Solenoid Valve Power Optimization via Environmental Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid valve control systems are complex and costly, requiring constant monitoring to adjust power consumption based on environmental conditions and valve life, which is not practical for widespread industrial use, especially for directional control valves operating in on/off positions.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve control system that uses an environmental sensor and a database to proactively optimize solenoid coil power consumption by cross-referencing operating temperature and valve cycles, reducing power consumption under normal conditions and increasing it as needed, without requiring continuous monitoring of coil resistance or performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coil is designed to accommodate worst-case conditions (low temperature, aged components), then the valve can operate reliably under extreme conditions, but power consumption becomes excessive under normal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coil power level adaptive rather than static. The controller dynamically adjusts the power supplied to the coil based on real-time monitoring of valve performance parameters (such as coil resistance, current draw, or actuation time). This allows the system to automatically increase power when the valve encounters difficult operating conditions (low temperature, aged components) and reduce power during normal operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If constant monitoring and adjustment of coil power is implemented, then power consumption can be optimized, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring valve performance parameters (such as coil resistance, current, or actuation timing) and using this information to automatically adjust the power supplied to the coil. The controller receives feedback signals from sensors monitoring the valve's operational state and modifies the power output accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization of power consumption without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control algorithms, thus balancing energy efficiency with system complexity.
3Reliability
If the valve is designed for high power output to ensure adequate performance under all conditions, then reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the electrical parameters (voltage, current, or power level) supplied to the coil based on actual valve performance requirements. Rather than maintaining a fixed high power level, the controller adjusts these parameters in real-time according to monitored conditions such as coil resistance changes, current draw variations, or actuation timing deviations. This allows the system to maintain adequate actuation performance when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
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 simplifies power management, reducing energy usage under normal conditions and ensuring adequate power delivery when required, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability across various environmental conditions and valve life stages.
Implementation Method 1
an environmental sensor and a database to proactively optimize solenoid coil power consumption by cross-referencing operating temperature and valve cycles
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid coupled with the valve having a coil
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solenoid valve and associated method of control for compensated performance based on environmental conditions and optionally product life. The solenoid coil power consumption is proactively optimized based on predetermined database information to cross reference a given operating temperature and optionally, valve operating cycles. The net effect is to reduce power consumption under normal conditions and selectively apply higher power to the valve coil when required.