Patent Application
20200200282
The invention concerns solenoid assemblies integrally fitted with power control drivers, programmable microprocessors and visual activation state indicators.
Among the leading commercial solenoid-controlled valves are those sold by NResearch Inc. These are described in the following patents: US Re 34,261E; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,711,269; 5,143,118; and 5,549,987. A variant type are the pinch valve assemblies described in the following patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,496,133; 4,993,456; and 5,190,071A. All the aforementioned patents identify Akos Sule as inventor.
Normally, scientists, engineers and other users of commercial solenoid-controlled valves will connect them to a programmed computer. Thereby timing and selection of fluid feed rates may be regulated for a particular use. With heat sensitive fluids, users may need to reduce heat generated from valve operation. Lower power consumption may also be economically desirable. In these instances, a driver is wired into the computer. Current can then be reduced by as much as one-third the original level. Not all users are sufficiently knowledgeable about benefits of drivers or their installation.
A further problem is the need of users for confirmation that valves are working properly.
Still further is the need for easy electrical connection between solenoids, drivers, and programmed computers.
A solenoid assembly is provided which includes:
In some embodiments, the circuit board may further include a back electromotive force circuit functioning to protect against any collapsing magnetic field that might induce a reverse voltage spike. Furthermore, in some embodiments the circuit board may include a visual indicator to report whenever a valve coupled to the solenoid assembly has activated and thereafter to report a drop in the average electric current input levels.
More features and aspects of the present invention can best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Now we provide improvements which overcome the problems of the known art. These improvements encompass integrating into a single board, held within confines of an enclosure located on a solenoid, one or more of the following circuits: a logic circuit to activate a coil inducing movement of the armature assembly; a power regulating circuit to internally reduce heat by altering average electric current input levels; a visual indicator to report whenever a valve coupled to the solenoid assembly has activated and to report a drop in applied average electric current input levels and length of time thereof; a back electromotive force (EMF) protection circuit to counter any collapsing magnetic field; and an integrated connection.
Drivers to accomplish the several circuit functions are built directly into the integrated circuit scribed upon the single board. These drivers can be activated by a simple logic signal. The circuit utilizes a current synchronizing trigger which allows the drivers to interface with a broad range of devices. Drivers can be activated with a logic level zero from an external microcontroller or logic driven device or even activated with a simple switch by synchronizing the trigger to a logic signal.
The power regulating circuit is a particularly useful feature. The integrated driver for this circuit turns on for a short period at its full power rating. Then the average electric current input level is dropped to a lower holding power level. This allows a valve to activate reliably while simultaneously keeping the solenoid from over heating. Maintenance of cooler temperatures prolongs the life of the solenoid. The cooling effect allows designers to use solenoid valves where traditionally heat sensitive flow media would have been restricted.
Back EMF protection is provided when the solenoids are turned off. Any collapsing magnetic field that induces a reverse voltage spike can damage sensitive electronics. Drivers counter this effect preventing the reverse voltage spike from getting to the sensitive electronics. By having the driver built into the single circuit board, designer users no longer need to build their own protective circuitry. The valve can simply be fed power, ground and a trigger signal to function.
A visual indicator is built into the solenoid system to display its state. In one embodiment, the visual indicator is a light whose illumination indicates to an observer that the valve has activated. Thereafter, the illumination dims to indicate the average electric current has dropped to a holding level. In certain embodiments, a second light having a different color output can identify the position of the armature shaft/plate or the mechanical position of the solenoid independent of the coil state. With light it becomes easy to see exactly which valves are activating, their period of activation, and timing. In still a further embodiment, the visual indicator can, if so required, be programmed not to indicate.
Integrated connections provide further benefits. In certain embodiments, the solenoid systems are fitted with contact pins rather than flying leads. A contact pin may include a three-wire terminal providing power, grounding and valve trigger. Herein the contact pins allow the valve to be easily replaced should the design of the parent device ever need to be updated or repaired. Secondly, valves need no longer be hardwired into a system or have separate termination applied. This minimizes the needed number of system connections. Finally, in certain embodiments moveable components, such as the armature plate, are movement enabled by the presence of a through going opening. This opening permits up/down travel around the coil interface.
In
The drawn embodiments illustrate 3-way configurations. These configurations include an armature shaft 28 perpendicularly connected to the armature plate, the shaft being vertically moveable within the tubular passageway 24. The alternative 2-way configurations have only an armature plate attached to a diaphragm or poppet. In pinch valve embodiments, the shaft is attached directly to the armature plate.
Armature plate 30 is formed of a magnetic ferrous material attractable to the coil during periods wherein the coil generates a magnetic field. Top plate 32 is seated above and adjoins the plate. Aperture 33 formed in the top plate allows upward/downward movement around the contact pins 26.
A set of threaded bores 34 serve as mounting means to connect valve bodies to the solenoid assembly.
One or more connection interfaces 46 which may be ports arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board connecting with the circuits on the lower surface. The connection interfaces allow electrical connection with an external controller having a program for reprogramming elements of the circuit board. Interfaces 46 are illustrated in
While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible and are to be regarded as within the scope and spirit of this invention.
