Electromagnetic Valve Seal Structure for Low-Power Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic valves face challenges in easily changing specifications, ensuring strength in supporting components, preventing fluid flow to the coil side, and reducing electric power required to operate the movable element.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic valve is designed with a flow path forming portion comprising a first and second component, a solenoid with a reciprocating movable element, and a solenoid housing. The valve includes supporting portions with lock portions to prevent mutual displacement and a seal portion that expands and contracts with the movable element to prevent fluid flow to the coil side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal member is provided in sliding contact with the movable element to prevent fluid flow to the coil side, then fluid sealing is improved, but electric power required to move the movable element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seal member from direct sliding contact with the movable element. Instead, the seal member is positioned to seal between the movable element and the solenoid housing, eliminating the sliding friction interface and reducing the electric power required to operate the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seal member as an intermediary element that prevents fluid leakage without requiring direct sliding contact with the movable element. The seal member interfaces with stationary components, acting as a mediator that maintains sealing while reducing friction.
2Device complexity
If one component defines the flow path in the electromagnetic valve, then the structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to change specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path definition into multiple components: the solenoid housing defines part of the flow path, and the movable element defines another part. This segmentation allows independent modification of each component to change specifications while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid housing serves multiple functions: it houses the coil, provides structural support, and defines portions of the flow path. This multi-functionality allows the housing to remain a universal component while the movable element can be modified to change valve specifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connection portion is sandwiched between multiple lock portions, then positioning is improved, but the width of lock portions must be increased which reduces strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first lock portion on the first end portion side of the cross-section, utilizing the axial dimension rather than relying solely on radial width. This dimensional shift allows the lock portion to achieve positioning function without increasing radial width, thereby maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The space provided from the first lock portion to the second end portion side is designed in advance to accommodate the connection portion. This preliminary spatial allocation allows the connection portion to pass through without interfering with the lock portion's positioning function, eliminating the need for wider lock portions.
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 configuration allows for easy specification changes, ensures strength in supporting components, prevents fluid flow to the coil side, and reduces the electric power required to operate the movable element, enhancing the overall performance and flexibility of the electromagnetic valve.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid including a coil and a movable element capable of reciprocating in an axial direction with respect to the coil
Implementation Method 2
a seal portion that expands and contracts with the movable element to prevent fluid flow to the coil side
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic valve includes a flow path forming portion, and a solenoid housing. The flow path forming portion includes a first component and a second component. The solenoid housing, the first component, and the second component are arranged in this order in the axial direction. The first component is provided with a connection portion. The solenoid housing and the second component are provided with supporting portions. Each of the supporting portions includes a first lock portion. When a first end portion and a second end portion are defined on at least one of sides of the first component that is present in a cross section passing through the connection portion, the first lock portion is located on a first end portion side, and a space through which the connection portion passes is provided from the first lock portion to a second end portion side.