Solenoid Valve Preassembled Unit Simplifies Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of solenoid valves is complex, particularly the positional adjustment of the valve seat, valve member, valve spring, and armature plate, which hinders efficient and accurate assembly.
Innovation Solution
The valve seat, valve member, valve spring, and armature plate are connected to form a preassembled valve unit, with the valve spring contacting the housing's inner shoulder upon insertion, ensuring correct mounting and simplifying the assembly process. The valve unit is designed to be radially and axially movable, with the valve spring securing against rotation, and can be fixed using laser welding or thermal crimping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the valve seat, valve member, valve spring, and armature plate are assembled separately with positional adjustment, then the valve can be precisely adjusted, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve seat, valve member, valve spring, and armature plate into a single pre-assembled valve unit. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate assembly and positional adjustment steps, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining proper positioning through the integrated design of the unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve unit is pre-assembled with all components positioned correctly before insertion into the housing. The valve spring is pre-compressed and the valve member is pre-positioned relative to the valve seat, performing the positioning action in advance during manufacturing rather than during final assembly, which simplifies the installation process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the valve components are pre-assembled into a valve unit, then the assembly process is simplified, but the components lose individual adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solenoid valve into two main parts: a pre-assembled valve unit and the housing. This segmentation allows the valve unit to be manufactured and tested independently with all necessary internal adjustments, then installed as a complete module. The segmentation enables ease of assembly while maintaining adaptability through standardized interfaces and the ability to replace the entire unit if adjustment is needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve spring contacts the housing's inner shoulder upon insertion, then the mounting position is predetermined and assembly is simplified, but the valve spring may be subjected to excessive compression forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve base body as an intermediary component between the valve spring and the housing. The valve base body includes a recess that receives the compressed valve spring, acting as a mediator that distributes the compression forces from the housing's inner shoulder across the base body structure rather than concentrating them directly on the spring. This protects the spring from excessive localized stress while maintaining the predetermined mounting position advantage.
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 solution simplifies the assembly of solenoid valves by predetermining the mounting position of the valve unit, eliminating the need for further adjustments and ensuring proper alignment and secure fixation, resulting in a solenoid valve that is open by default without current, with the valve spring free of restoring forces in the open position.
Implementation Method 1
When current is flowing through the coil, a magnetic field is generated in the armature and the armature plate is attracted by the armature into an operative valve position
Implementation Method 2
A valve spring is provided which returns the armature plate into a rest position when the coil is currentless
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid valve for a fuel system has an electric coil and an armature disposed in a housing. A preassembled valve unit with valve seat, valve member, valve spring, and armature plate connected captively to each other is provided. In the valve unit, the valve seat is loosely secured between valve member and armature plate. The valve unit is inserted and secured in an open housing end and the valve spring contacts an inner shoulder of the housing. Armature plate and armature form a magnetic circuit. The valve member is supported on the armature plate and switched to open and close an outlet of the valve seat. By suppling current, a magnetic field is generated in the armature and attracts the armature plate into an operative valve position. The valve spring returns the armature plate into a rest position when the coil is currentless.