Electromagnetic Valve Housing With Breakable Coil Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic valve systems lack a cost-effective and efficient locking system that allows for easy testing and removal of coils without damaging the components, and also facilitates quick recovery and recycling of parts.

Innovation Solution

A housing with an integrated locking system that can assume two configurations: one allowing the coil to be easily positioned and removed, and another locking the coil in place, ensuring it cannot be removed without breaking the locking system. This system is designed to be simple, inexpensive, and reliable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an integrated locking system is used to firmly assemble the coil to the housing, then the coil cannot be accidentally removed, but the coil and housing cannot be separated again once coupled together, preventing testing and verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil assembly stabilityVSAvoidcoil removability for testing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the breaking of the fragile connection element. This allows the system to provide firm assembly during normal operation while enabling separation when needed for testing or replacement, resolving the contradiction between stability and removability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element changes its structural parameter from intact to broken, transforming the locking system from a restrained state (preventing removal) to an unrestrained state (allowing removal). This parameter change enables the coil to be firmly assembled during operation but separable when testing is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If external locking systems like snap rings are used to allow selective locking and removal of the coil, then the coil can be removed without damage, but the production cost increases due to additional materials and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil removabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is merged with the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external locking components like snap rings. The locking functionality is integrated into the housing through the fragile connection element, reducing material costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining coil removability capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fragile connection element acts as a disposable component that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Instead of using costly external locking systems, a simple fragile element is used that can be broken to unlock the coil, providing a cost-effective solution for enabling coil removal without requiring expensive specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking system is integrated into the housing structure, then production costs are reduced, but the coil cannot be removed without irreversibly damaging the housing or coil

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidcoil recovery
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking functionality is extracted from the permanent housing structure and implemented through a separate fragile connection element. This allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the housing design while maintaining the ability to remove the coil by simply breaking the fragile element, rather than requiring damage to the housing or coil themselves. The fragile element serves as a sacrificial component that enables easy coil recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4413285B1Housing for electromagnetic valves, tubular element and related electromagnetic valve
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 ELBI INT
  • EP4413285B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4413285B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4413285B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Housing (4) for electromagnetic valves (1), adapted to internally receive a core (12) and allow it to slide therein for switching said electromagnetic valve (1). At least a portion of said housing (4) being adapted to be surrounded by a coil (11) comprised in the electromagnetic valve (1). Said housing (4) extending along an axis (L) and comprising a distal end (41A) and an open proximal end. Said housing (4) comprising a locking system (44) adapted to lock said coil (11). Said locking system (44) being integrated into said housing (4) at the distal end of said housing (4). Said locking system (44) being adapted to assume : a first configuration, in which it allows said coil (11) to be positioned around and/or removed from said at least a portion of said housing (4); and a second configuration, different from said first configuration, in which it locks said coil (11) around said at least a portion of said housing (4).