Periodic Water Inlet Valve Control to Prevent Coil Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water-conducting household appliances with electromagnetic water inlet valves experience overheating and potential malfunction when no water is available from the supply system, as the magnetic coil heats up due to lack of cooling, leading to continuous actuation without water flow.
Innovation Solution
A control program for the water inlet valve that switches between two operating modes: a first mode for normal water intake and a second cyclical mode with reduced continuous loading, using square-wave pulses or alternative signals, to determine if a predefined test water quantity has flowed through, thereby preventing overheating by adjusting actuation based on water availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water inlet valve is continuously actuated to ensure water intake, then the water intake function is maintained, but the magnetic coil overheats when no water is available
Solution Approach 1:
The control program implements periodic actuation of the water inlet valve by switching between first and second operating modes. In the first mode, the valve is actuated continuously for a predetermined time period to allow water intake. In the second mode, the valve is not actuated, allowing the magnetic coil to cool down. This periodic switching prevents continuous overheating while maintaining water intake functionality when water is available.
2Temperature
If the magnetic coil power is reduced to decrease heat generation, then overheating is prevented, but the water inlet valve actuation strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuation regime of the water inlet valve based on operating conditions. Instead of using a fixed low power setting that would always provide insufficient force, the control program switches between a first operating mode with full actuation strength (when water is available) and a second operating mode with reduced or no actuation (when water is not available or during cooling periods). This dynamic adjustment ensures sufficient actuation force when needed while preventing overheating when water flow is absent.
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
Prevents overheating of the magnetic coil by reducing continuous loading on the water inlet valve, even in cases of water supply disruptions, thus extending the valve's lifespan and avoiding malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically operable electromagnetic water inlet valve for controlling the water intake
Implementation Method 2
As soon as water flows through the water inlet valve, this water automatically brings about cooling of the magnetic coil of the water inlet valve
Data Source
AI summary
A water-bearing household appliance such as a dish washing machine or washing machine is provided that has a water supply system, an electrically operable electromagnetic water inlet valve for controlling the water supply, and a control unit operating a control program that controls the water inlet valve. The water inlet valve is controlled for a first time period and it is determined when the first time period is complete whether a predetermined test amount of water has flowed through the water inlet valve. If a predetermined test amount of water has flowed through the water inlet valve, the water inlet valve is operated in a first operation mode. On the other hand, if less than the predetermined test amount of water has flowed through the water inlet valve, the water inlet valve is operated in a second operation mode with a reduced long-term load.