Magnetic Structure Design for Frictionless Proportional Solenoid Valve Based on Large Leaky Magnetic Circuit

Abstract

In the spacecraft micro propulsion system, the proportional solenoid valve of milligram flow is a very important component, which is used to achieve the system pressure and flow proportional adjustment. It is required to reach the high precision and high resolution control of thruster thrust. This paper investigated a new design based on leaky magnetic circuit and frictionless structure of armature suspension. The use of magnetic materials in the lower zone B with small slope and good linearity characteristic reduces the sensitivity of the electromagnetic force changing with displacement. Meanwhile, the support with flat spring is used to keep the valve armature suspended, and avoids the interference of friction force and inner pollution of abrasive dust. Thus the frictionless movement of the proportional valve can be realized with improved proportional accuracy and linearity. The results of simulation and experimental verification show that this structure design is feasible with excellent performance, which can significantly improve the precision adjustment ability of electric propulsion system.