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AUGUST 2009 - In this Issue:
- Pneumatic Valve Used in Running Shoe
- Shaping the Solenoid Force Curve
- Metropolitan Milwaukee Association's Future 50
Pneumatic Valve Used in Running Shoe
In our ever-increasingly digital world, technology is being applied to many new endeavors. Case in point: The Smart Shoe. The brainchild of Ronald Demon, founder of Vectrasense Technologies, the Smart Shoe utilizes solenoid valves to revolutionize the comfort of all kinds of athletes as well as patients with foot problems. A two bladder cushioning system controlled by a small digital sensor measures the wearers stride, strike point and pace, among other variables, to alert the TLX solenoid in how to disperse the air between the bladders.
The TLX-designed miniature valve for Vectrasense measures less than an inch across and slightly over 1-1/2 inches long. Its design utilizes magnetic latching technology to minimize power consumption and thereby extend battery life. Designing a valve to fit into such a small package size-while still providing the necessary flow parameters also proved problematic. Dynamic flow modeling of various configurations eventually yielded a configuration that met these specification requirements. Package constraints also dictated a design that molded the bobbin, valve pressure cavity and two arc magnetics into one assembly which is then securely crimped to withstand the constant pounding of even the most aggressive runner. (see Fig. 1)
The Smart Shoe is unique in that it provides custom comfort, but also has the potential to serve as a networking device; by turning on the networking capabilities, the Smart Shoe will be able to connect to other Smart Shoes around to compare statistics, as well as link up to a PC to keep track of the athlete's data and performance stats.
Shaping the Solenoid Force Curve
Designing the proper solenoid actuator to meet a specific application involves more than gathering information on the required force, stroke and voltage. While these characteristic are certainly most important, information such as ambient temperatures, environmental conditions, mechanical life required as well as other issues are also important to determine suitable performance of the solenoid. (See Fig. 2 - Femm Plot utilizing magnetic analysis software)
Wayne Groth, TLX Sales Engineer, explains what's involved in designing the proper solenoid for your application. Read more on this Tech Article.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association's Future 50
Late in June, 2009, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce announced it's winners for this years "Future 50", a distinguishment reserved for companies in the Metropolitan Milwaukee area that have increased employment and broadened sales in the Milwaukee area. This year, TLX is proud to have won a First Place ranking on the MMAC's list.
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Fig. 1 - Pneumatic Valve
Fig. 2 - Femm Plot
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