Electromagnetic Valve Spring Support on Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetically operable valves for motor vehicles face challenges in designing the core end face to optimize magnetic force flow due to the presence of the Woodruff key, which complicates assembly and can affect the valve's operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The spring element is supported on the sleeve instead of the magnetic core, with an axial stop on the sleeve providing a secure and frictional support, allowing for a freely designed core end face and improved magnetic flux, and additional features like diameter reduction, beads, and stiffening elements enhance the sleeve's rigidity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the spring element is supported on the magnetic core, then the magnetic core can provide a stable support point, but the core end face design is restricted by the Woodruff key contact point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore end face design freedomVSAvoidspring element support stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the sleeve as an intermediary component between the spring element and the magnetic core. The sleeve's axial stop provides the support surface for the spring element, while the magnetic core remains free from direct spring contact. This mediator allows the core end face to be optimized for magnetic flux without compromise from Woodruff key constraints, while the sleeve ensures reliable spring support through its dedicated axial stop feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the Woodruff key is pressed into the sleeve with elastic and/or plastic deformation, then assembly is simplified, but the sleeve material and structure must accommodate high insertion forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidsleeve structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The Woodruff key is pre-deformed elastically and/or plastically before insertion into the sleeve. This preliminary action allows the key to be pressed into the sleeve with sufficient force to create a frictional or non-positive connection without requiring complex assembly mechanisms. The pre-deformation ensures proper fit and secure mounting while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the sleeve has a diameter reduction to form an axial stop, then the spring element is securely supported, but the sleeve structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring element positioning stabilityVSAvoidsleeve structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first section with a larger diameter that provides the axial stop for spring element support, and a second section with a smaller diameter that accommodates the magnetic core. This segmentation allows the axial stop to be formed through a simple diameter reduction rather than adding separate components, maintaining structural efficiency while ensuring reliable spring element positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 simplifies assembly, ensures reliable high-force transmission, and maintains the valve's performance over its service life by providing a secure support for the spring element without detaching, while optimizing magnetic flux and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet armature (4) that actuates a valve element (6) is arranged in an axially displaceable manner in the sleeve (2)... when the magnet armature is attracted by the magnet core, it detaches from the valve opening and thereby opens it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Two spring elements act between the magnet armature and the magnet core, which essentially serve to reset the magnet armature... One of the spring elements is designed as a disc spring that acts on the armature end face of the magnet armature with a spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic spring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2734426B1Electromagnetically actuable valve
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2734426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2734426B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2734426B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromagnetically actuable valve (1), in particular for motor vehicles, having a sleeve (2) in which a magnet core (3) is arranged fixedly and in which a magnet armature (4) which actuates a valve element (6) is arranged in an axially displaceable manner, wherein at least one spring element (13) is provided which, at least during an actuation of the valve (1), exerts a spring force on that armature end surface (12) of the magnet armature (4) which faces toward the magnet core (3). It is provided here that the spring element (13) is supported on the sleeve (2).