Spherical Valve Element Reduces Magnetic Force in Electromagnetic Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic valves experience increased magnetic attractive force and size due to frictional resistance between the valve element and seat, requiring higher forces and larger sizes, and complex taper-shaped processing, which increases man-hours and oscillation issues.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic valve design includes a tube-shaped housing with a non-magnetic sleeve and rod, a spherically-shaped valve element, and a magnetic armature, where the valve element displaces based on magnetic and fluid forces, with a restricted oscillation and reduced magnetic attractive force by maintaining a passage area ratio and using a stopper to limit movement, thereby reducing processing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve element slides on the valve seat surface to displace, then oscillation is restricted and control safety is ensured, but frictional resistance increases and magnetic attractive force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed with a spherical head that contacts the valve seat at a point or small area rather than sliding along a surface. This spherical configuration allows the valve element to pivot or rotate slightly during displacement, reducing the frictional resistance between the valve element and seat while maintaining stable contact and restricting harmful oscillations.
2Reliability
If the valve element slides on the valve seat surface to displace, then oscillation is restricted and control safety is ensured, but the size of the electromagnetic valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical valve element head enables compact design by allowing rotation and displacement with minimal linear travel distance. The spherical geometry concentrates the motion into a small volume while maintaining effective sealing and control, thereby reducing the overall valve size compared to linear sliding mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the rod is processed to a taper shape, then the valve element can slide along the valve seat, but processing time and man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical valve element head eliminates the need for complex taper processing of the rod. The spherical shape can be manufactured using standard spherical machining or forming processes, which are simpler and faster than creating precise taper profiles, thereby reducing processing time and manufacturing complexity.
4Reliability
If the passage area between valve element and valve seat is limited, then oscillation is restricted, but the valve may not fully open for adequate fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical valve element head provides a stable, point-contact sealing mechanism that naturally restricts oscillation while allowing sufficient lift for full opening. The spherical geometry maintains consistent contact pressure and stable positioning, enabling the valve to achieve complete opening for adequate fluid flow without excessive passage area restrictions.
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 restricts valve element oscillation, reduces the required magnetic attractive force, and simplifies processing by eliminating the need for a taper shape, resulting in a more efficient and compact valve with improved lift sensitivity and reduced hunting of rail pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The driving portion generates a magnetic attractive force according to an energization
Implementation Method 2
a fluid force that is applied from the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic valve includes a driving portion, a valve body, and a valve element. The driving portion generates a magnetic attractive force according to an energization. The valve body has an orifice through which a fluid flows, and a valve seat around an opening portion of the orifice. The valve element displaces according to the magnetic attractive force and a fluid force that is applied from the fluid, to vary a passage area between the valve element and the valve seat. When the valve element is placed at a position separated farthest from the valve seat, the passage area between the valve element and the valve seat is less than or equal to a passage area of the orifice.