Miniature Solenoid Valve with Segmented Orifice Shutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves face challenges in achieving rapid switching and high flow rates while maintaining a compact size and moderate power consumption, with performance often limited by stroke length and power requirements, and dependent on operating pressure.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve design featuring a shutter with multiple orifices and a ceramic actuator, utilizing magnetic shape memory material for reduced power consumption and improved response time, allowing for high-frequency switching with adjustable flow control and reduced dependence on operating pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the stroke of the valve is increased to obtain a high flow rate, then the flow rate is improved, but the power consumption increases and the switching speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is divided into multiple segments (first seat, second seat, third seat) with corresponding orifices, allowing the shutter to control multiple flow paths simultaneously. This segmentation enables high flow rate with a limited stroke, as the shutter opens multiple restricted passages in parallel rather than requiring a single large opening that would demand greater stroke and power.
2Productivity
If the stroke of the valve is increased to obtain a high flow rate, then the flow rate is improved, but the service life decreases due to high speed movement of the shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is divided into multiple segments (first seat, second seat, third seat) with corresponding orifices, allowing the shutter to control multiple flow paths simultaneously. This segmentation enables high flow rate with a limited stroke, as the shutter opens multiple restricted passages in parallel rather than requiring a single large opening that would demand greater stroke and power.
3Speed
If the air passage section is increased to allow a very short stroke, then the switching speed is improved, but the pressure dependence increases and the power of the electromagnetic actuator must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the valve seat have different local characteristics with multiple seats (first, second, third seats) having different orifice configurations. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain short stroke for fast switching while distributing the flow control across multiple localized passages, reducing the overall pressure dependence compared to a single large passage design.
4Volume of moving object
If the width of the solenoid valve is reduced to achieve a compact size, then the bulk is reduced, but the flow rate and switching speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve utilizes a multi-dimensional orifice arrangement with multiple seats positioned at different locations (first seat with first orifice, second seat with second orifice, third seat with third orifice) rather than relying on a single large passage. This spatial distribution of flow paths enables high flow rate within a compact valve body by exploiting the third dimension (vertical stacking of seats) rather than expanding the valve width.
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 high-frequency fluid switching (up to 1500 Hz) with a high flow rate and reduced power consumption, while minimizing wear and extending the solenoid valve's service life through a short stroke and moderate actuator power.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, a shutter driven by the actuator, movable between a closed position opposing a passage of the fluid between the inlet and the outlet
Implementation Method 2
utilizing magnetic shape memory material for reduced power consumption and improved response time
Data Source
Figure 1~9
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Solenoid valve (10), having a fluid inlet and outlet, in particular compressed air, comprising: - an actuator, - a shutter (20) driven by the actuator, movable between a closed position opposing a passage of fluid between the inlet and the outlet, and an open position allowing the passage of fluid between the inlet and the outlet, solenoid valve characterized in that the shutter (20) has at least one orifice (21) and moves in contact with a seat (90) having a corresponding orifice (91), the latter overlapping at least partially with the orifice (21) of the shutter (20) when the latter is in the open position, and the seat (90) closing the orifice (21) of the shutter (20) when the latter is in the closed position, the stroke of the shutter between the open and closed positions being less than 1 mm.