Grounding Device Prevents Spark Damage on Solenoid Valve Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid operated valve assemblies in fuel injection systems experience spark damage due to induced voltage in biasing springs, leading to arcing and pitting between valve members and seats, as existing systems do not effectively ground the solenoid coil with respect to the biasing spring.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a grounding device with an electrically conductive element between the valve member and the outer body, and using insulating elements to interrupt current flow, such as grounding springs and spacer elements, to prevent arcing by maintaining continuous electrical contact and reducing magnetic flux exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid coil is provided with current to actuate the valve, then the valve can be opened or closed, but magnetic flux transfers to the biasing spring causing induced voltage and arcing between valve members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating element positioned between the biasing spring and the valve body to interrupt the electrical circuit. This intermediary prevents current flow from the biasing spring to the valve members, eliminating the arcing and spark damage while maintaining the magnetic actuation function of the solenoid coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful electrical conductivity path by removing the direct electrical connection between the biasing spring and the valve members. By taking out the conductive pathway that allows current flow, the harmful arcing is eliminated while the mechanical biasing function of the spring remains intact.
2Reliability
If the biasing spring is made electrically conductive to complete the circuit, then the solenoid coil can be grounded, but current flow through the spring causes induced voltage and arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulating element acts as a mediator that allows the biasing spring to maintain its mechanical function while blocking the harmful electrical current flow. The insulator is positioned to interrupt the circuit at the spring, preventing induced voltage from causing arcing while allowing the solenoid coil to be properly grounded through other pathways.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating elements are added to interrupt current flow, then arcing is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation to prevent arcing, maintains the mechanical biasing force of the spring, and can be integrated into existing valve assembly structures. This multi-functionality minimizes the increase in device complexity while effectively preventing harmful arcing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the insulating element with existing components of the valve assembly, such as integrating it into the valve body or spring retainer structure. By combining the insulating function with existing structural elements, the design avoids adding separate discrete components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
The solution effectively prevents spark discharge and pitting by ensuring continuous current flow through the grounding device, reducing wear on valve components and enhancing the reliability of solenoid operated valve assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid may include an armature, a biasing spring, and a solenoid coil, which acts as a magnet when provided with current. When the solenoid coil is provided with current, a toroidal field of magnetic flux develops rapidly.
Implementation Method 2
Relative movement between the electrically conductive biasing spring and the magnetic field may result in an induced voltage in the biasing spring. The induced voltage may result in current flow through valve members of the solenoid controlled valve assembly.
Implementation Method 3
a grounding device including an electrically conductive element disposed between the valve member and the outer body
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid operated valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly may include a solenoid having a solenoid coil and an armature movable under influence of the solenoid coil. The valve assembly may also include a valve member operably connected to the armature and configured to selectively contact a valve seat. The valve assembly may further include an outer body containing the solenoid, the armature, the valve member, and the valve seat. In addition, the valve assembly may include a grounding device including an electrically conductive element disposed between the valve member and the outer body.