IoT – the Internet of Things – has revolutionized the way we use and perceive technology over the last couple of decades. From introducing the world to smart homes and cars to envisioning a more efficient office and work environment, IoT has done it all.
We have integrated IoT in our industrial, tech, and agricultural sectors, as well as our personal lives. However, one of the most fascinating ways IoT has influenced our current society is through its contribution to the health and medical sector.
The healthcare sector managed to get the most out of the Internet of Things technology. Utilizing modern sensors to keep a close eye on their patients’ conditions, these IoT systems are making life easier for medical professionals. And while IoT systems cannot run entire healthcare facilities by themselves, they make life easier for doctors in other ways and provide benefits to patients too. Here is how.
IoT sensors, especially those that can measure temperature, pulse and heartbeat, breathing rate, etc. are being deployed in medical facilities all over the world right now. Due to COVID-19, urgent care and walk-in clinic services have gained a lot of popularity.
However, for their safety, healthcare professions maintain a considerable distance from patients at times. So whenever possible, the tests are carried out from a distance, and IoT can help in this regard.
Take the MLX90614 IR temperature sensor used in temperature guns. It can take the reading, then send the doctor the results via an IoT network within the healthcare facility. The doctor can then carry out more tests in an unmanned manner (wherever possible), and then write the prescription. All they have to do is note down the readings, explain the situation, and hit their custom signature stamp on the paper.
Thus, during such times of crisis, a doctor only needs to carry a self-inking signature stamp to work. Hitting their custom signature stamps on the prescriptions, mostly containing their qualifications and name, are all that they have to do manually right now. This is, by no means, is demeaning to their work or responsibility. It just goes to show how IoT is making their life a lot easier, and safer.
Take the AMD-DS-AS0028-1 fingertip sensor as an example here. Pulse oximeters, which are being used all over the world right now to check for dropping oxygen levels in the human body, use these sensors to measure SpO2 levels.
Normally, the measurements are then displayed on a screen on the device or a separate monitor. However, with a proper network connection, this system can be IoT-enabled. That will allow the doctor to receive the pulse oximeter reading at his home, from where they can then advise the patient on what to do next.
A similar case can be carried out for long-distance check-ups. Once the medical devices, like the oximeter or blood pressure machine, get the readings, they can then deliver those numbers to the doctor, who might be living a few hundred miles away. Based on the findings of these devices, the doctor will prescribe a course of action for the patient.
For this system to go fully remote, a high-definition camera is also preferred, because the way a patient looks is also crucial in treatment these days. Thus, a quick look at them can reveal a lot of vital information about their health.
Walk-in and remote health services are just two of the areas that IoT contributes to in the healthcare sector. One of the more vital roles it plays is that it can navigate medical professions in the right direction during a difficult treatment procedure. Of course, IoT does not do this by itself. It utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence for better results.
Take the latest COVID trends as examples. New strains are popping up every once in a while, and it is getting difficult to keep track of them all. So virologists are gathering samples via unmanned drones or bots and then testing them at labs. The results are then run through various ML algorithms to determine the strain’s origin.
A similar approach is being used to predict the next coronavirus. The AI used here can classify the animals based on their chances of forming a new coronavirus.
And as we continue to explore more aspects of IoT, we will keep coming up with newer innovations that can benefit the healthcare sector, as well as other fields.
The nearshoring phenomenon is a global economic trend that has been going on for decades. The phenomenon is defined as moving a company’s operations to a country that is in close proximity to the company’s home base.
Nearshoring offers many benefits in terms of cost savings, but it also has many drawbacks. It can have a negative effect on wages for local workers, and it can also have an impact on the environment if the process involves bringing in outsourced goods from overseas.
To conclude, nearshoring often benefits both companies and consumers who are looking for affordable goods at low prices. However, it can have a negative effect on wages and local jobs in the long run.
It's a great way for companies with smaller budgets to have more resources for other aspects of their business. However, it isn't without its challenges. For starters, a company will need someone on-shore to manage the team abroad and provide direction on how things should be done. In addition, there are cultural differences that may need to be addressed - such as different time zones or mores that may not line up with American values.
Nearshoring is becoming more popular because of the benefits it offers for both the outsourcing company and the nearshore company.
Nearshore outsourcing provides cost savings to companies that are looking to outsource their work. It offers lower overall risk than offshore outsourcing through the protection of intellectual property and by having better communications with the workforce.
While offshoring has been around for decades, nearshoring started gaining popularity in recent years due to its relative proximity to home markets, enabling companies to make quick decisions about products, services, marketing approaches, etc., which can be challenging when you are thousands of miles away. Nearshoring is appealing because it provides cost savings and lower risk than offshoring.
Nearshoring is a strategic sourcing technique that can be used to lower the cost of labor. It is also helpful in reducing the production lead time by enabling production capacity to be shared among different regions while centralizing key functions.
Nearshoring allows companies to take advantage of low-cost labor without having to relocate their manufacturing facilities. Through nearshoring, companies are able to maintain control over design and marketing while lowering production costs through outsourcing manufacturing processes abroad for example in China or India.
There are many countries in the world that offer a nearshore workforce and they differ in terms of their cost and quality. Some countries like India and China, with low labor costs and large populations, are popular outsourcing destinations. Other countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, offer higher quality work based on their educational system. Nearshoring in Europe is also becoming more and more popular because of the low costs and good quality of the work.
There are many factors to take into account when outsourcing business processes or operations to a country. The type of work you need to be done will determine the country you choose for your operations, but there is one key factor that is often overlooked: the availability of human capital. Countries vary in terms of how educated their population is and what languages they speak, which can give an edge when it comes to choosing a country for your overseas operations.
The most prominent disadvantage is that organizations will lose vital skills and know-how when they outsource their projects. They may also lack the flexibility in decision-making for both short and long-term goals due to limitations on management decisions brought about by working with a third-party company. Organizations will also have a difficult time transferring any of their employees to different locations if they decide they want them closer to home in order for them to take care of family issues or have more opportunities for growth.
A good security system includes an alarm, immobilizer, and battery backup if you lose power to your car for any reason. It should have a remote lock/unlock capability which can be helpful if someone finds or steals your keys. You can even get systems these days that notify you on your phone if someone is trying to start your car.
The system should also have a GPS vehicle tracking device if your car is stolen. The police can track the car down and return it to you. The GPS device should enable you to monitor your car and what routes they have taken. Some of these devices will even allow you to set up alerts if the vehicle has been moved at any time during its idle state, which is excellent for catching thieves in action and alerting authorities immediately.
An added benefit of using a GPS tracking service is protecting your car from being towed. If thieves tow your vehicle, you can log into the service and search to see where it has been taken so that you know who stole it and call authorities immediately.
An excellent security system needs to be fitted with an alarm that will go off when someone unauthorized tries to open the car. The louder and more intrusive the alarm, the better. This way, the car's owner will be notified of a possible theft attempt and take precautions. You need to choose an alarm that alerts you when the car is being tampered with and one that can be activated remotely.
One way to prevent your car from being stolen is to install a steering lock. This will make it difficult for thieves to drive off with the car. There are a few different types of steering locks available on the market. A popular type is the club lock, which wraps around the steering wheel and prevents it from being turned.
Another option is to install a car alarm with a steering lock feature. This will sound an alarm if someone tries to move the car. Some cars come with a built-in steering lock that is activated when turned off.
If your car doesn't have a built-in steering lock, you can buy an aftermarket one to use. Whichever option you choose, make sure to properly secure the steering lock so that it cannot be easily removed. Another option is to use a wheel clamp. This will immobilize the car and make it difficult for thieves to steal.
Both of these solutions are a great deterrent against car theft and will help to protect your vehicle. Be sure to use them if you are concerned about your car being stolen.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people forget to do this essential step. Make it a habit to always lock your car doors and windows when you're not in it. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your vehicle. If you're not in a hurry, you can also roll up your windows all the way and shut the doors.
If someone stops next to your car asking for help or directions, don't get out. Stay in your car and keep the doors locked. This allows criminals to unlock it from outside of the vehicle. Many times they will open already unlocked cars with this tactic.
The simplest thing you can do to keep your car from being stolen is always to lock your doors after getting out or entering the vehicle. This is especially important if you habit leaving your car running when you run into the store.
If you park your car in a well-lit area, it will be less likely to be targeted by thieves. Try to avoid parking in isolated or dark areas whenever possible. If you have a garage, use it.
If you have to park on the street, try finding a well-lit spot near other cars. This will make your vehicle less of a target for thieves. In a public parking lot, always park in an area close to the entrance and visible.
If you park under a tree, try to avoid parking near an overhanging branch that thieves could use as leverage for opening your car door or climbing inside. If possible, choose brightly lit areas with surveillance cameras nearby so the footage can be used to identify thieves in case they steal your vehicle.
When looking at potential spots to park, always be aware of your surroundings and look for any suspicious activity. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable, find another spot to park in.
One of the best ways to prevent your car from being stolen is to not leave any valuables in it. If you have expensive items in your car, it will be more likely for thieves to target your vehicle. So, always make sure to take your belongings with you when you exit your car.
If you have to leave something in your car, try to keep it out of sight. You can put it in the trunk or under the seats. If you need to put things in the trunk or in the backseat, make sure to lock them up so that thieves can't get to them. You should also do this before you reach the parking lot so that thieves can't see what you're doing.
Remember, the best way to prevent your car from being stolen is by taking precautions and being vigilant about your surroundings. You can make it much more difficult for thieves to get their hands on your vehicle by following these tips.
There is a wide range of aluminum anodizing colors to choose from; therefore, product developers need to know how to color match before releasing the end product. Let’s examine more on anodizing aluminum parts, how to color anodized aluminum and the common anodized aluminum colors.
Anodizing is an electrolytic process that produces excellent mechanical properties to enhance aluminum parts' durability and visual appeal. Manufacturers use the anodizing process for corrosion resistance to prevent surface scratches and improve surface hardness, making it an ideal foundation for painting or coating.
The aluminum parts are coated using a wear-resistant oxide layer which meets the aesthetic requirement of most users.
Manufacturers use three common types of anodizing processes, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Each method differs due to the coating intensity.
This anodizing process is a “lighter” alternative. It uses chromic acid as the electrolyte. During the electrochemical process, the positive particles from the aluminum part form microscopic grooves, which are oxidized to form an oxide layer. Aluminum parts made via this process have better corrosion and heat resistance.
This is the most common method of anodizing aluminum parts. Instead of chromic acid, this process uses sulfuric acid, which is more potent and produces better positive aluminum particles than Type 1. The oxide layer becomes thicker; therefore, the parts have better paint retention properties.
The common color options for this process include blue, red, brown, purple, green, gold, black, and grey.
Type 3 is the ideal one for hard coating and making heavy aluminum products. It uses a higher voltage and sulfuric acid.
The anodizing aluminum colors are very different from the ones used in powder coating or painting. The colors will depend on the grade, size, and finish tapes. Here's the process.
The anodizing process begins with cleaning the aluminum part with detergent and rinsing tanks. The part is then etched to give a matte, polished and shiny surface finish. The etching and brightening are done to remove any trace amounts of metal. The material removed depends on the size, shape, temperature, and solution pH.
After cleaning, you need to build the oxide layer on the aluminum part. Depending on the coating intensity you want to achieve, you can use Type 1, 2, or 3 anodizing processes. Once the piece is suspended in the electrolyte, you need to keep in mind that the shape and size of pores depend on the metal alloy.
In addition, the depth of the pores will depend on the electric voltage, tank temperature, time in the tank, and solution concentration.
Manufacturers add anodized aluminum colors in four ways, dip coloring, electrolytic coloring, interference, and integral coloring.
With dip coloring, the part is placed in a tank containing a dye. Once the dye is absorbed into the pores, the surface is boiled in de-ionized water to stop further reactions. Although there are many coloring variants, they are not UV resistant.
On the other hand, with electrolytic, the part is immersed in a solution containing metallic salts. These salts fill the pores to form a UV-resistant layer. However, the colors are limited to brown and black.
Interference coloring works by enlarging the pore structure. The metals are then deposited, which results in blue, green, and yellow to red colors. These colors form because of optical interference effects. Integral coloring combines coloring and anodizing by adding bronze and black shades.
Once the aluminum part is completely dyed, the last step is sealing it off to preserve the color. This sealing process protects the part from absorbing undesired molecules.
There are several possible colors for anodizing aluminum. For effective results, the product developer needs to understand the concept of color matching. Let’s take a look at some of the critical factors you should look out for when matching colors.
To achieve the best aluminum reflective properties, the part of the film is essential. Use a sample with the same finish when color matching.
When anodizing aluminum parts, looks out for the grade. Each aluminum grade has a different color variant and shade, which could affect the color matching.
The crystalline structure affects the reflective properties of the aluminum part. Therefore, before you color match, check that the reflective angle is the correct one.
The dyes affect the color variation. When product developers use more dyes, there’s an increase in color variation. During layering, this variation also differs.
If you anodize your parts, here are some advantages.
Anodized aluminum parts have a visually appealing look. This makes them popular with users because they are market-ready.
The oxide layer from the anodizing process protects the aluminum parts from corrosion. This makes them durable than other parts which have had powder coating or painting.
After manufacturing is done, it’s essential to have a quality surface finish. There are different anodizing processes that product developers can use. It’s also vital to choose the best anodizing aluminum colors according to the aluminum part. This makes it easier to color match and get the best end product.
Anodizing has benefits such as boosting the product's aesthetic value, enhancing the surface finish, and increasing durability. Therefore, it's an essential step in manufacturing aluminum parts for any industry.
Hello friends, I hope you all are in good health. Today we will discuss a detailed overview of flexible PCB, its definition, types, advantages and manufacturing. We will also discuss why we need flexible PCB? We will discuss its uses and the reason for its high price, as it's expensive than other PCB types. I will try to deliver you my best knowledge about flexible PCB so you will clear understanding of flexible PCB. So let’s try to absorb everything about flexible PCB.
Let's discuss the pricing of Flexible PCB and here I am going to take the example of an online PCB Fabrication House named PCBWay. It's a well-renowned PCB house and provides competitive rates with a quality product.
The manufacturing process for FPCB is procedural and structural. that's the main reason for its high cost. The manufacturing process of Flexible PCB is too lengthy, complex and needs a special environment, which makes it too expensive to design. Let us try to understand three major steps involved in the manufacturing of FPCB.
The material used as a substrate is polyimide and in this step, the main focus is to save the base material because it is expensive than FR- 4. So to avoid wastage of polyimide circuits are placed close to each other. It includes the following steps:
Flexible printed circuit boards should have to be improved in the following aspects:
In the future flexible printed circuit board should be thinner and more flexible. They should have the flexibility of complete 360°.
Improved and developed substrates should be used to overcome the folding resistance.
At this time flexible printed circuit boards are too much costly. In the future, their price should be reduced to increase their market growth rate.
It is very difficult to make flexible PCBs because they required highly qualified personals, high machinery, and a lot of time. In the future, their process level should be upgraded and minimum line width and minimum aperture must meet higher requirements.
Many factors affect the cost of the flexible printed circuit board. But I am here to categorize these parameters into these cost drivers.
The size of the flexible PCB is measured in a square inch and the price is calculated as price/ square inch.
So for large flexible printed circuit boards having the vast size, the price will be high than the smaller one.
When the no of layers increases the price of flexible PCB increases. So double-layer FPCB has high price than the single-layer FPCB and multi-layer FPCB must be high in price than single and double layer FPCB. Price also depends upon the material used in the construction. Price also depends upon the no of pads, for more pads used in flexible PCB price will be high.
Price also depends upon the volume of flexible PCB. For greater volume price will be high.
Finishing determines the shelf life of the flexible printed circuit board. With good quality, the finishing price is affected.
It is difficult to make small holes, and for small holes, which are normally drilled in the flexible printed circuit boards, the price will be high than the big holes.
For more holes price will also be high.
When the custom specification is required that will add to the price of the flexible printed circuit board. Examples of custom specifications are contoured edges, side plating, and solder mask clearance.
In the future, flexible printed circuit boards will play a major role in security and entertainment dynamics.
The demand for flexible printed circuit boards is not high till 2016 but now their demand is increasing day by day. In future preference will be given to the flexible products in the market.
In short, the future belongs to flexible products.
The evolution of technology over the decades has helped almost all sectors to grow and flourish. And, the medical sector is no different. The way medicine was practiced a couple of decades ago has been completely changed today. This has obviously brought in multiple benefits to the patients. The treatment time has lowered and so has the accuracy increased. People now trust technology to get their treatments done.
This article highlights certain technologies that have transformed modern medicine.
This is the prime example of how technology has transformed the way of conducting treatments and keeping records. The paper filing system of patients is now long gone. It is now replaced with electronic record-keeping. This has made collaboration easier and smoother and facilities can focus better on patient care now. The entire medical history of patients is available in just a click and doctors can make better and detailed decisions about their treatment plan.
This is yet another great way by which technology is driving healthcare. With the evolution of wearable technology, patient engagement has increased more than ever. And, more healthcare facilities are trying to connect with their patients through these hyper-targeted and extremely personalized health and fitness plans. The data that is driving the results is extremely accurate and the recommendations are loved by the patients. The technology tries to understand every individual motivation and design solutions that reflect well with their lifestyles and that are manageable on both ends.
Virtual healthcare or telehealth was there initially also but it gained popularity pretty recently after the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It has increased the communication efficiency between the clinics, healthcare providers, and the patients who are seeking help. The information exchange has become simpler and one can easily track and monitor the changes that are visible after every telehealth interaction. The data is optimized and your treatment is curated across a stable plan of action.
Surgeries are equally benefited through this progressive technology. It is now possible to draw virtual 3D reconstructions before any major surgery on trauma patients. It helps the surgeons to make the most accurate incisions on the skin and have bony reconstruction with plates. This is a great way to plan the surgeries and monitor the flow of blood in those regions. We are hopeful the future will see more advanced improvements in this field to help the surgeons.
When both of these are combined, many new opportunities arise. There are handheld devices that use both of these technologies to make veins in a patient's body visible. They also help the doctors to sense heat by just using a single device. The combination of both these technologies improves the activities like drawing blood or IV insertions.
Besides these, there are many other innovations in health care devices that have streamlined the treatments to a great extent while helping the industry move forward. The patients can now confidently rely on the system for their treatments.
The energy management system will further help detect the failures in the process, leaks or anomalies, and provide information on how much the utilities are used during the non-production time. After assessing the data offered by this tool, you can decide to depend upon the real data and then collate the production data with the utility usage. You can get the best energy monitoring software online, one of the best places to get tools for energy management and monitoring for businesses.
There Are Various Benefits Of Using This Tool, And They Are-
As said before, Energy checking frameworks give clients information about their utilization designs so they can settle on informed energy the board choices and expand investment funds. It is completed utilizing energy observing programming that accumulates energy utilization information, dissects it. Afterward, gives valuable data straightforwardly to the customer's gadget.
The product utilizes counters or sub-counters situated nearby or in the structure to accumulate information for every item (power, heat, water, gas) to give a total image of energy utilization. Because of these energy observing methods, clients can monitor the amount they are devouring. They can also monitor how the item is utilized at some random season of day or night.
EMS framework focuses on unlimited authority over the Utilization and cost of utilities in the processing plant. Counters cautions and controlling dashboards give the client the likelihood of dealing with the utilities. They are also expected in all pieces of the processing plant – from the creation floor to workplaces. Relationship with creation information takes into consideration full examination and straightforwardness of the actual production costs. Dynamic checking upholds the identification of holes and misuse of utilities that can be not entirely obvious and fixed.
It helps to analyze all utilities in the current location with detailed information on planned and actual usage. It also helps in displaying trends and forecasts.
Information on utility utilization can get a connection with creation information, showing a precise image of complete creation and non-creation costs.
It is a tool for controlling the total amount of electrical power used to avoid the expensive penalties for breaching or crossing the limits. With the help of tracking the system, it issues warnings on the incoming faults with the proper advance.
Choose the EMS or the energy monitoring system, an advanced solution for monitoring energy consumption. In addition, it allows for the implementation of additional software like the contracted capacity guard. Choose EMS for the higher energy management at the workplace.
Dealing with a prototyping firm should be straightforward once you learn what to look for. The following are important considerations to consider while looking for a producer to help you bring your prototype idea to life.
You can look through the portfolios of the best prototyping businesses to see their previous work. This data is crucial in determining whether they have experience with similar initiatives and specialize in your required prototypes.
You'll need a corporation with experience in your sector throughout this early stage of product development. They are more knowledgeable about the resources to utilize, the equipment that can be employed to make the finished output, and they are conversant in industry jargon.
Working with organizations that specialize in modeling will make the production process much smoother.
You might need a simple 3D printing concept part right now, but you could require a perfectly functioning prototype for a trade show or business meeting tomorrow. It's vital to know whether your prototyping partner can handle many tasks.
Enquire about the many sorts of 3D printing services offered and just about every other service that may be accessible. Determine what kind of finishing services they provide, such as smoothing, polishing, and laser engraving.
A reputable specialist will have both current and 'traditional' talents, such as SLA and Vacuum Casting solutions, and other 3D printing services and a CNC suite if you select them.
If you're working with complex or advanced prototypes that involve several production processes such as CNC machining and plastic injection molding, a prototyping company should ideally have all of the design development they'll use to manufacture your prototypes under one roof.
Why? You don't have to squander weeks or months working with a modeling company that collects all of your model's components from numerous vendors and then assembles them before delivering them to you. This is a worthless exercise that you almost certainly do not have.
Manufacturing your product by a unified prototyping company addresses both of these potential difficulties by providing for quick alterations and hiring integrated and comprehensive specialists who can supervise all areas of the design process.
Another benefit of engaging with a consistent, reputable prototyping company that can provide all of the prototyping solutions you need under one roof is IP protection.
Your ideas are more likely to get robbed if a lot of people see them. Collaboration with a lone prototyping company means fewer eyes on your concepts and a lower risk of a vital file ending in the wrong hands.
To maintain a competitive advantage, prototypes must be released into the market considerably more quickly. As a result, you must only hire a firm with a trained workforce of design professionals who can work rapidly and get concepts to market.
If you wish to obtain a competitive advantage, you must meet this criterion. To produce models in a matter of days, the leading rapid prototyping businesses rely on their innovative technologies. As a result, if your prototyping firm fails to fulfill timelines, you should hunt for a new supplier.
Inquire about the company's ability to act quickly to orders throughout product innovation, market launch, or implementation stage. Few companies also offer rapid prototyping.
Consider cost in mind while choosing a prototype manufacturer. Prototyping prices vary from one prototyping company to another, as you may be familiar with. Some companies charge per hour, while others charge per order.
It's vital to remember that the manufacturing process and materials used also influence the pricing. The complexity of the design may also have an impact on prototyping expenses.
Before engaging in prototyping solutions and services, make sure you understand the cost split. While at that, you can request a CNC instant quote as it will help you have a plan in place.
If you're an entrepreneur, or if this is your first time working with a prototyping firm, you may not have been an expert in most production procedures. Consequently, while choosing a production provider, please make certain that they provide continual information and coaching.
A reputable prototyping company should constantly provide you with advice, information, and choices for the greatest materials to use and the ideal technique to follow. Consequently, if you're unclear about which methods to employ, it's not a bad idea to seek advice from the company.
Selecting the right company may impact how much money and work you put into the entire production cycle. Please do your research to confirm that they meet the required standards.
In several domestic, commercial, or industrial settings where gases or liquids have to be distributed or mixed, solenoid valves are used to ensure the accuracy and precision of all the control aspects. To help you understand the types and working principles of solenoid valves, selection criteria, and everything in between, we’ve covered all you need to know about these electrically controlled valves. You should also have a look at the Linear Solenoid.
Solenoid valves are electromechanical devices that feature two major components: a valve body (G) and a solenoid (Figure 1). The solenoid is an electric coil (A) with a movable magnetic core that’s centrally located, also called a plunger (E). It’s also made up of an armature (B), a shading ring (C), a spring (D), and a seal (F).
For a normally closed valve in the resting position, the plunger closes a small hole or orifice that allows the fluid to flow. As soon as the electric current passes through the coil, it’s energized, and an electromagnetic field forms and exerts a force on the plunger, opening the orifice.
That said, it’s worth noting that solenoid valves are only used to control clean liquid and gases. This is because dirt can easily block the orifice, causing performance issues.
Before we look at the working principles of solenoids, we’ll first look at the two popular solenoid valve configurations. These are the normally closed (NC) and the normally open (NO) solenoid valves.
For NC solenoid valves, it is closed when the coil is de-energized, i.e., when there’s no electric current flowing through it. This means that the orifice is closed, and no medium can flow through it. Once the solenoid is powered, the current flows through the coil and energizes it. This creates an electromagnetic field with a resultant force that pushes the plunger upwards to overcome the resistive spring force. This opens up the orifice and allows the fluid media to flow through the valve. NC valves are good for fail-safe applications that need the media to stop flowing if power is lost.
With NO solenoid valves, the valve is always open when the coil is de-energized. Once an electric current passes through the coil, an electromagnetic field is created, and the resultant force pushes the plunger to the downward position to overcome the resistive spring force. Here, the seal will be seated right on the orifice, closing it and preventing any fluid from flowing via the valve. Often, a NO solenoid is best used for applications, which require the solenoid valve to be on or open for a longer period since it becomes more energy and cost-efficient.
Besides the normally closed and normally open solenoids, there’s also another type called the latching or bi-stable solenoid valve. Unlike the previous two, this type is switched on and off using an instantaneous or momentary power source. The solenoid will stay in its recent/current position provided there’s no power supplied. This is accomplished by replacing a spring with permanent magnets.
There are three main ways in which solenoids work. These are:
A direct-acting solenoid can either be NO or NC, and its mode of operation is simple. The maximum flow rate and operating pressure are directly proportional to the hole size (diameter) and the solenoid valve’s magnetic force. With this operating principle, the solenoid doesn’t require a minimum pressure or any pressure difference. Direct-acting solenoids are therefore used for small flow rates.
Solenoid valves in this category use the pressure difference of the medium to assist in the opening and closing of the valve. The typical minimum pressure required for the valve to operate is nearly 0.5 bar.
In between the outlet and inlet ports is a rubber layer called a diaphragm, which has an orifice through which the fluid medium can easily flow.
Above the membrane is a pressure chamber that serves as an amplifier. This chamber allows a smaller solenoid valve to control a larger flow rate. They are used in industrial or domestic applications that require a higher flow rate and enough pressure differential.
With this type of solenoid valve, you enjoy the benefits of both direct-acting and indirect-acting valve operations. Semi-direct acting solenoids operate at zero bar for low flow rate applications and also at pressure differential for high flow rate applications.
Solenoid valves with this working principle have a construction similar to the indirect operating valves except that it has two holes on either side of the membrane, and the plunger is connected directly to the rubber layer. That way, when the electromagnetic force pushes the plunger, the membrane is lifted, opening the valve.
Simultaneously, the second hole is opened if the plunger has a larger diameter compared to the first hole in the rubber membrane. The result is that the pressure inside the chamber above the rubber layer will drop. Hence the membrane isn’t lifted just by the solenoid plunger but also the differential pressure.
Solenoids are used in industrial, commercial, and domestic applications to close, open, mix or divert fluid medium. Common domestic applications of solenoids include irrigation systems with automatic control and refrigeration systems to control refrigerants.
Other domestic use cases include air conditioning systems to control air pressure, washing machines and dishwashers to control water flow, and water tanks to control the inflow/outflow of water. In commercial settings, solenoid valves find applications in car washes to control soap and water flow.
And since solenoid valves find different applications in various industries, they must have certain approvals to ensure they conform to industry standards and regulations. Some of the common approvals include:
Now that you know what a solenoid valve is, the types, working principles, use cases, and approvals, what follows is to choose the right type for the right applications. When choosing solenoids, you always want to pay attention to the specific applications and the environment in which they will be installed. From here, you can pay attention to the housing material, the seal material, and the degree of protection as far as temperature and pressure considerations are concerned. Other factors to consider are the operation type, valve function, i.e., whether NO or NC, the voltage type (DC or AC), and the solenoid’s response time.