Development of an ε-type actuator for enhancing high-speed electro-pneumatic ejector valve performance

A novel ε-type solenoid actuator is proposed to improve the dynamic response of electro-pneumatic ejector valves by reducing moving mass weight. A finite element analysis (FEA) model has been developed to describe the static and dynamic operations of the valves. Compared with a conventional E-type actuator, the proposed ε-type actuator reduced the moving mass weight by almost 65% without significant loss of solenoid force, and reduced the response time (RT) typically by 20%. Prototype valves were designed and fabricated based on the proposed ε-type actuator model. An experimental setup was also established to investigate the dynamic characteristics of valves. The experimental results of the dynamics of valves agreed well with simulations, indicating the validity of the FEA model.