Solenoid Valve Control via Ripple Current Oscillation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling solenoid valves are complex and require significant computing power, as they involve separate units for generating ripple currents, making it difficult to achieve precise and quick switching of the armature between open and closed positions with small deflections.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a ripple current value into the setpoint current value generation within a single computer unit or device, using a triangular signal with adjustable amplitude and frequency, and incorporating a software-based setpoint current value generator to reduce computational requirements and enable armature oscillation around its center position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional control method with separate units for generating ripple currents is used, then the solenoid valve can be controlled, but the device complexity and computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ripple current generation function with the setpoint current value generation within a single computer unit. Instead of using separate units for generating ripple currents as in conventional methods, the invention integrates these functions by generating a setpoint current value that inherently includes the ripple component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The computer unit is designed to perform multiple functions: generating the setpoint current value, generating the actuating current value, and generating the control signal. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated units for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining all necessary control capabilities
2Measurement precision
If a conventional control method with multiple separate units is used, then the solenoid valve can be controlled, but the computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ripple current generation and setpoint current generation into a single computational process. By generating a setpoint current value that includes the ripple component rather than calculating ripple separately and combining it later, the invention reduces the total computational operations required, thereby lowering computing power consumption while maintaining current control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing lookup tables for the setpoint current value that include the ripple component. This allows the control system to retrieve pre-computed values rather than performing complex real-time calculations, significantly reducing computing power requirements while maintaining precise current control
3Device complexity
If the armature is kept at a fixed center position, then the control is simple, but the switching speed and precision are reduced due to static friction and magnetic hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by continuously oscillating the armature about its center position using a ripple current component. This small oscillation prevents the armature from settling into a fixed position where static friction and magnetic hysteresis would hinder quick switching, thereby improving switching speed while maintaining relatively simple control through continuous small-amplitude periodic motion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses mechanical vibration by inducing small oscillations of the armature about its center position through the ripple current. This vibration keeps the armature in a state of slight motion, preventing static friction from taking hold and enabling faster response to switching commands, thus improving switching speed without significantly complicating the control method
4Stability of the object's composition
If a sine signal is used for ripple current, then the armature oscillation is smooth, but the computing power requirements increase due to more reference points needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a triangular signal instead of a sine signal for the ripple current component. The triangular signal can be generated with fewer reference points and simpler calculations, consuming less computational resources. While slightly less smooth than a sine wave, it provides sufficient armature oscillation to overcome static friction and magnetic hysteresis, offering a cost-effective computational alternative
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 the control method, reduces computing power needs, and allows for precise and quick switching of the solenoid valve armature, enabling faster and more precise control with reduced computational resources.
Implementation Method 1
a setpoint current value is generated from a target current value... generating an actuating current value from the differential current value in a current regulator... generating a control signal for controlling the solenoid valve from the actuating current value
Implementation Method 2
In order to reduce its static friction and/or its magnetic hysteresis a slight oscillation is continuously applied to the armature about its centre position
Implementation Method 3
In order to reduce its static friction and/or its magnetic hysteresis a slight oscillation is continuously applied to the armature about its centre position
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid valve is to be controlled in such a way that an armature of the solenoid valve assumes an intermediate position between an opened position and a closed position and the armature oscillates about this intermediate position with small deflections. For this purpose, a setpoint current value is generated on the basis of a target current value, wherein a ripple current value is superimposed on the target current value; this setpoint current value is compared with a measured current value and a differential current value is generated therefrom; an actuating current value is generated from this differential current value in a current regulator; and a control signal for controlling the solenoid valve is generated from this actuating current value in a control signal generator.