Solenoid Valve Spring Nesting for Compact Low-Friction Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid valves for internal combustion engines face challenges in requiring large installation space, being difficult to assemble, and experiencing high friction due to numerous seals and additional components.
Innovation Solution
The solenoid valve design features a compression spring surrounding the sliding bush, nested with the sliding bush to reduce axial length, eliminating the need for additional guiding components and using a two-part housing for easier assembly and replacement, along with a sealing sleeve to enhance sealing and reduce space, and a press fit or laser welded connection for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components are added to guide the compression spring, then the compression spring can be properly positioned, but the axial length increases and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is nested within the sliding bush, with the spring passing through the hollow interior of the bush. This allows the spring to be guided and positioned without requiring additional external guiding components, thereby reducing the axial length while maintaining proper spring guidance and functionality
2Reliability
If numerous seals are used to ensure tightness, then sealing performance improves, but frictional forces increase and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the sliding bush component itself, which provides both guidance for the tappet and sealing against the housing bore. This integration reduces the number of separate seal components needed while maintaining effective sealing, thereby reducing frictional forces and simplifying assembly
3Strength
If the housing is designed as one piece, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly becomes difficult and replacement of individual components requires complete housing replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two separate parts: a first housing part containing the sliding bush and valve body, and a second housing part containing the coil carrier and armature. These parts are connected via a press fit connection. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced independently while maintaining overall structural integrity through the connection between housing parts
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 design results in a smaller, easier-to-assemble solenoid valve with reduced frictional forces, lower actuating forces, and lower production costs, allowing for a more compact and economically produced solenoid valve.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring that applies a force to the tappet counter to an electromagnetic force acting on the tappet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solenoid valve (10) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing (14), a coil (42), an armature (61), which can be axially moved by energization of the coil (42), and a slide bush (86), which is held in a borehole (90) of the housing (14). The solenoid valve (10) additionally comprises a tappet (94), which forms a valve body and which can be moved with the armature (61), and comprises a compression spring (110), which applies a force to the tappet (94) against an electromagnetic force acting on the tappet (94). The compression spring (110) surrounds the slide bush (86) and is guided by the slide bush (86).