Solenoid Valve Fixed Core Thinned Zone Magnetic Saturation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solenoid valves face challenges in achieving the shortest response time, low power consumption, compactness, and reliability, especially when operating in varying temperatures, and there is a need for a high-performance solenoid valve that can operate efficiently in a reduced space.

Innovation Solution

The solenoid valve incorporates a thinned zone on the fixed core, which is axially positioned between the plunger core ends, allowing for increased magnetic saturation and force attraction when the coil is energized, enabling faster switching between states or reducing the copper section and current, with the thinned zone being designed to achieve over 95% magnetic induction saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the fixed core has a thinned area to increase magnetic saturation, then the attractive force increases and response time decreases, but the structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed core has a thinned area specifically positioned between the axial ends of the plunger core, creating a localized region of reduced cross-section. This local modification concentrates magnetic flux in the critical area where magnetic coupling occurs, increasing magnetic saturation and attractive force without compromising the overall structural integrity of the entire core

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If the copper cross-section and current in the coil are reduced, then power consumption decreases, but the magnetic field strength may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmagnetic field strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

By modifying the geometric parameter of the fixed core (reducing cross-sectional area in the thinned area), the magnetic path reluctance is reduced and flux concentration is improved. This parameter change allows the system to achieve the required magnetic field strength with lower current and smaller copper cross-section, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate magnetic field strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the solenoid valve is made compact, then the size is reduced, but the magnetic coupling may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesizeVSAvoidmagnetic coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The thinned area creates a localized region of enhanced magnetic flux density precisely where the plunger core interfaces with the fixed core. This local quality enhancement ensures strong magnetic coupling in the critical interaction zone, enabling compact overall dimensions while maintaining adequate magnetic coupling force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the solenoid valve's performance by allowing faster switching and reducing power consumption while maintaining constant characteristics, achieving strong magnetic coupling and minimizing magnetic field leakage.

Implementation Method 1

it makes it easier to achieve saturation of the magnetic material of the fixed core in the thinned area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic saturation: Magnetic Saturation

Implementation Method 2

when the coil is traversed by its nominal current, it is saturated to more than 95% by the magnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

increase the attractive force of the plunger core towards the position taken by it when the coil is electrically powered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3717812B1Solenoid valve
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR SAS
  • EP3717812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3717812B1 patent drawingFigure 2~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a solenoid valve (1) comprising: a hollow fixed core (10) made of a ferromagnetic material, extending along an axis (X); a coil mounted around the fixed core; and a plunger core (41) movable along the axis (X) of the fixed core under the effect of the magnetic field generated by the coil, characterised in that the fixed core (10) has a thinned zone positioned axially between the axial ends of the plunger core (41).