Valve Actuator Control via Two-Stage Voltage Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure valves in diesel internal combustion engine pumps face intense stresses due to continuous loading, leading to high demands on durability and efficiency, particularly in managing current peaks and reducing power consumption and noise.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a valve using a spring and actuator with predefined voltage and time periods to determine current peaks and local minima, adjusting the current with control voltages to optimize valve operation, reduce power consumption, and extend service life, incorporating freewheeling and pulse-width modulation phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high starting voltage is applied to close the valve quickly, then the valve closing speed is improved, but the current peak increases leading to higher power consumption and stress on the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a two-stage voltage control method: first applying a high starting voltage to rapidly close the valve, then switching to a lower control voltage to maintain the closed position. This periodic application of different voltage levels reduces the overall energy consumption while maintaining fast valve closing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by determining the first time period (from voltage application to current peak) and second time period (from voltage application to current local minimum) in advance. Based on these pre-determined time characteristics, the control unit optimizes the voltage application strategy to minimize energy consumption while achieving rapid valve closure.
2Speed
If a high starting voltage is applied to close the valve quickly, then the valve closing speed is improved, but the stress on the actuator increases reducing its service life
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies a high starting voltage only during the initial phase (first time period) to achieve rapid valve closure, then switches to a lower control voltage for the remaining phase (second time period). This periodic voltage application reduces the cumulative stress on the actuator, extending its service life while maintaining fast closing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic voltage control by adjusting the voltage level based on the real-time current characteristics of the actuator. The control unit monitors the current peak and local minimum to dynamically switch between high and low voltage modes, optimizing both valve closing speed and actuator stress management.
3Speed
If a high starting voltage is applied to close the valve quickly, then the valve closing speed is improved, but noise during closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces closure noise by applying high voltage only during the critical first time period when rapid closure is needed, then switching to lower voltage during the second time period. This periodic voltage reduction minimizes the electromagnetic forces that cause noise-generating vibrations and mechanical impacts during the later phase of valve closure.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-determining the time periods based on current characteristics, the system can apply high voltage only when necessary for rapid closure initiation, then reduce voltage to minimize noise-generating forces during the remainder of the closure process, achieving both speed and noise reduction.
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 precise operation, reduced power consumption, extended valve service life, and minimized noise during closure, while allowing for diagnosis and compensation of production variations in valve performance.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator with an actuator force which counteracts the spring force
Implementation Method 2
a spring with a spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes applying a specified starting voltage to a valve actuator in a first specified operating mode for closing the valve, the valve having a spring with a spring force against which an actuator force of the actuator acts. In the first operating mode, a first period of time is ascertained which represents that a maximum current value has been reached. Furthermore, a second period of time is ascertained which represents that a minimum current value has been reached. In a specified second operating mode, the specified starting voltage is applied to the actuator until the end of the first period of time is reached, and a control voltage is then applied to the actuator until the end of the second period of time is reached, wherein the average value of the control voltage is lower than the average value of the starting voltage.