Throttle body with reduced deposit accumulation and enhanced thermal conductivity

Abstract

A throttle body for an engine or fuel cell of a vehicle is provided. The throttle body includes a cylindrical housing including a first open end extending to a second open end defining an inner wall having an inner surface. The throttle body also includes a movable vane valve movably disposed on the inner wall and configured to regulate air entering the engine during operation of the vehicle. The movable vane valve has an outer surface. The throttle body further includes a bi-phase thermal conversion coating (TCC) disposed on one of the inner surface of the inner wall and the outer surface of the movable vane valve for enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing deposit buildup on the inner surface and the outer surface. The bi-phase TCC includes a first material comprising 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the bi-phase TCC and a second material comprising 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the bi-phase TCC. The bi-phase TCC has a contact angle between 100° and 160° and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W / mK.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to throttle bodies for engines or fuel cells used in vehicles, and more specifically, to throttle bodies that reduce deposit buildup and enhance thermal conductivity. Background Technology

[0002] Organic deposits can accumulate in the throttle body, potentially leading to unwanted airflow restriction and mechanical problems. This can further increase warranty costs associated with cleaning or replacing vehicle parts. Additionally, some algorithms that adjust airflow control may have practical limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, although the current throttle body has achieved its intended purpose, there is still a need for a new and improved throttle body that can reduce deposit buildup and enhance thermal conductivity.

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure provides a throttle body for an engine or fuel cell in a vehicle. The throttle body is configured to have enhanced thermal conductivity and reduced deposit buildup. The throttle body includes a cylindrical housing with a first open end extending to a second open end, thereby defining an inner wall having an inner surface. The throttle body also includes a movable vane valve movably disposed on the inner wall and configured to regulate air entering the engine during vehicle operation. The movable vane valve has an outer surface.

[0005] The throttle body also includes a dual-phase thermal composite coating (TCC) applied to one of the inner surface of the inner wall and the outer surface of the movable vane valve to enhance thermal conductivity and reduce deposit buildup on both surfaces. The dual-phase TCC comprises a first material and a second material. The first material comprises 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the dual-phase TCC, and the second material comprises 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the dual-phase TCC. The dual-phase TCC has a contact angle between 100° and 160° and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W / mK.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first material is 90 wt%, the second material is 10 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 0.3 W / mK and 1 W / mK. In another embodiment, the first material is 50 wt%, the second material is 50 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 3 W / mK and 5 W / mK. In yet another embodiment, the first material is 30 wt%, the second material is 70 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 20 W / mK and 30 W / mK. In still another embodiment, the first material is 10 wt%, the second material is 90 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 60 W / mK and 100 W / mK.

[0007] In one embodiment of this aspect, the first material includes one selected from parylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyurea, polyarylate, polyethylene, epoxy resin, polyoxymethylene, polyphthalamide, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyimide, polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, methyltrimethoxysilane, and polyfluorocarbon compounds. In another embodiment, the second material includes one selected from copper, zinc, aluminum, gold, silver, cobalt, manganese, carbon black, graphene, aluminum bronze, aluminum silicate, SiO2, CuO, ZnO, TiO2, MoS2, and Al2O3.

[0008] In one embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the biphase TCC is between 0.01 and 0.2. In another embodiment, the surface roughness of the biphase TCC is between 10 Ra and 60 Ra. In yet another embodiment, the contact angle is between 110° and 140°.

[0009] In another aspect of this disclosure, a dual-phase thermal composite coating (TCC) is provided for enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing deposit buildup in the throttle body of a vehicle engine. The dual-phase TCC includes a first material comprising one of parylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyurea, polyarylate, polyethylene, epoxy resin, polyoxymethylene, polyphthalamide, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyimide, polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, methyltrimethoxysilane, and polyfluorocarbon compounds. In this embodiment, the first material comprises from 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the dual-phase TCC.

[0010] The biphase TCC also includes a second material comprising one of copper, zinc, aluminum, gold, silver, cobalt, manganese, carbon black, graphene, aluminum bronze, aluminum silicate, SiO2, CuO, ZnO, TiO2, MoS2, and Al2O3, wherein the second material accounts for 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the biphase TCC. In this respect, the biphase TCC has a contact angle between 100° and 160° and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W / mK.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first material is 90 wt%, the second material is 10 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 0.3 W / mK and 1 W / mK. In another embodiment, the first material is 50 wt%, the second material is 50 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 3 W / mK and 5 W / mK. In yet another embodiment, the first material is 30 wt%, the second material is 70 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 20 W / mK and 30 W / mK. In still another embodiment, the first material is 10 wt%, the second material is 90 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 60 W / mK and 100 W / mK.

[0012] In one embodiment, the coefficient of friction of the biphase TCC is between 0.01 and 0.2. In another embodiment, the biphase TCC also includes a surface roughness between 10 Ra and 60 Ra.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, a throttle body for a vehicle engine is provided. The throttle body is configured to have enhanced thermal conductivity and reduced deposit buildup. The throttle body includes a cylindrical housing having a first open end extending to a second open end, thereby defining an inner wall having an inner surface. The throttle body also includes a movable vane valve movably disposed on the inner wall and configured to regulate air entering the engine during vehicle operation. The movable vane valve has an outer surface.

[0014] In this respect, the throttle body also includes a dual-phase thermal composite coating (TCC) disposed on one of the inner surface of the inner wall and the outer surface of the movable vane valve, for enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing deposit buildup on both the inner and outer surfaces. The dual-phase TCC comprises a first material and a second material. The first material includes one of the following: parylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyurea, polyarylate, polyethylene, epoxy resin, polyoxymethylene, polyphthalamide, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyimide, polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, methyltrimethoxysilane, and polyfluorocarbon compounds.

[0015] The second material includes one of copper, zinc, aluminum, gold, silver, cobalt, manganese, carbon black, graphene, aluminum bronze, aluminum silicate, SiO2, CuO, ZnO, TiO2, MoS2, and Al2O3. The first material accounts for 10 to 90 wt% of the two-phase TCC, and the second material accounts for 10 to 90 wt% of the two-phase TCC. The two-phase TCC has a contact angle between 100° and 160° and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W / mK.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first material is 90 wt%, the second material is 10 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 0.3 W / mK and 1 W / mK. In another embodiment, the first material is 50 wt%, the second material is 50 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 3 W / mK and 5 W / mK.

[0017] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an engine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the engine having a throttle body that enhances thermal conductivity and reduces deposit buildup;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the throttle body of the engine in the picture;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the throttle body in the middle;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view of a conceptual image of the inner surface of a throttle body with a dual-phase thermal composite coating that enhances thermal conductivity and reduces deposit buildup according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional side view of a dual-phase TCC according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional side view of a biphase TCC according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, application, or purpose.

[0026] This disclosure provides a throttle body that reduces deposit buildup and enhances thermal conductivity through a two-part thermal composite coating. Deposit buildup can occur through water droplets, hydrocarbon residues, carbon deposits (or "coke"), or any other material that may accumulate in the throttle body and affect optimal airflow through it. The coating is applied to the inner surface and internal components of the throttle body and includes first and second material components. The first material is a hydrophobic component or portion that reduces buildup in the throttle body. The second material is a thermally conductive component that enhances the thermal conductivity of the throttle body. The hydrophobic and thermally conductive components allow for optimal lifespan performance of the throttle body, thereby reducing deposit buildup and enhancing thermal conductivity.

[0027] Figure 1 An engine 10 of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the engine including a throttle body 12 having enhanced thermal conductivity and reduced deposit buildup therein. Figure 1-2 As shown, the throttle body 12 includes a cylindrical housing 14, which includes a first open end 16 extending to and in fluid communication with a second open end 18. (Reference) Figure 3 The cylindrical shell 14 defines an inner wall 20 having an inner surface 22.

[0028] In this embodiment, the throttle body 12 also includes a movable vane valve 24 movably disposed on the inner wall 20. The movable vane valve 24 is configured to regulate the air reaching the intake manifold (not shown) of the engine 10 through the throttle body 12 during vehicle operation. As shown, the movable vane valve 24 has an outer surface 26.

[0029] The throttle body 12 also includes a dual-phase or dual-component thermal composite coating (TCC) 30, which is disposed on one of the inner surface 22 of the inner wall 20 and the outer surface 26 of the movable vane valve 24, for enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing deposit buildup on the inner surface 22 and the outer surface 26. The dual-phase TCC 30 includes a first material 32 and a second material 34 (…). Figure 4 The first material 32 is related to hydrophobicity and may include "soft" materials, such as polymers. Furthermore, the second material 34 is related to thermal conductivity and may include "hard" materials, such as metals.

[0030] It should be understood that the dual-phase TCC can be disposed on the inner surface 22, the outer surface 26, or both. As shown in the figure, the dual-phase TCC is disposed on the inner surface 22 and the outer surface 26. However, the dual-phase TCC can be disposed only on the inner surface 22 or only on the outer surface 26 without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first material 32 accounts for 10 to 90 wt% of the biphase TCC30 by weight, and the second material accounts for 10 to 90 wt% of the biphase TCC. The biphase TCC30 has a contact angle between 100° and 160° and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W / mK.

[0032] In one example, the first material 32 may be 90 wt%, the second material 34 may be 10 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 0.3 W / mK and 1 W / mK. It should be understood that the first material 32 may constitute 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the two-phase TCC30 without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the second material 34 may comprise 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the dual-phase TCC30 without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be understood that the thermal conductivity can be 0.3 W / mK, 0.5 W / mK, 1 W / mK, 10 W / mK, 20 W / mK, 30 W / mK, 40 W / mK, 50 W / mK, 60 W / mK, 70 W / mK, 80 W / mK, 90 W / mK, or 100 W / mK, without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the contact angle can be 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, or 160°, without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0034] For example, the first material 32 may be 50 wt%, the second material 34 may be 50 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 3 W / mK and 5 W / mK. In another example, the first material 32 may be 30 wt%, the second material 34 may be 70 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 20 W / mK and 30 W / mK. In yet another example, the first material 32 may be 10 wt%, the second material 34 may be 90 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 60 W / mK and 100 W / mK.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the contact angle θ is the angle at which material 21 (e.g., a water droplet) can remain or be positioned on, for example, the biphase TCC 30 of the inner surface 22. It can be seen that the contact angle θ can be measured between a baseline B and a tangent T relative to the curvature (or profile) of the droplet or material. In this example, the contact angle θ is the angle between the baseline B defined by the biphase TCC 30 and the tangent T defined by the curvature or profile of the material 21. Thus, a larger contact angle indicates a smaller surface area of ​​contact between the material and the inner surface 22.

[0036] In one embodiment of this aspect, the coefficient of friction of the biphase TCC 30 is between 0.01 and 0.2. It should be understood that the coefficient of friction of the biphase TCC 30 may be 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19 or 0.20 without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0037] In another embodiment, the surface roughness of the biphase TCC 30 is between 10 Ra and 60 Ra. The surface roughness can be 10 Ra, 20 Ra, 30 Ra, 40 Ra, 50 Ra or 60 Ra without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0038] refer to Figure 5According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the biphase TCC130 may include separate bilayers of first and second material layers 132, 134 disposed on an inner surface 122. In this embodiment, the first material layer 132 may include the aforementioned first material 32, and the second material layer 134 may include the aforementioned second material 34. As shown, the second material layer 134 is disposed on the inner surface 122, and the first material layer 132 is disposed on the second material 134 and opposite to the inner surface 122. In this embodiment, the first material layer 132 serves as a wear-resistant coating for friction, and its thickness is preferably between 2 micrometers and 10 micrometers. The second material layer 134 serves as an adhesive layer for the inner surface 122, and its thickness is preferably between 10 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

[0039] refer to Figure 6 According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the biphase TCC 230 may include separate multilayers of first and second materials 32, 34 (as described above) disposed on an inner surface 222. As shown, a hard layer 234 including the second material 34 is disposed on the inner surface 222, and a soft layer 232 including the first material 32 is disposed on the hard layer 234 and opposite to the inner surface 222. Additionally, the biphase TCC includes another hard layer 236, which includes the second material 34 disposed on the soft layer 232 and opposite to the hard layer 234.

[0040] In this embodiment, the soft layer 232 serves as a damping mechanism, and its thickness is preferably between 2 micrometers and 10 micrometers. The hard layer 234 serves as an adhesive layer for the inner surface 222, and its thickness is preferably between 10 micrometers and 100 micrometers. The hard layer 236 serves as a structural coating for environmental conditions, and its thickness is preferably between 50 micrometers and 150 micrometers.

[0041] In another aspect of this disclosure, a biphase or dual thermal composite coating (TCC) 30 is provided for enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing deposit buildup in the throttle body 12 of an engine 10 of a vehicle. The biphase TCC 30 has at least two functionalized portions: hydrophobic and thermally conductive. The hydrophobic portion is used to repel moisture. Furthermore, the thermally conductive portion is used to help repel oxidized hydrocarbons. The hydrophobic and thermally conductive portions allow for optimal lifetime performance of the throttle body 12, thereby reducing deposit buildup and enhancing thermal conductivity therein.

[0042] As described above, the biphase TCC 30 includes a first material 32 and a second material 34. The first material 32 is associated with the hydrophobic portion and may include a "soft" material, such as a polymer. Preferably, the first material 32 includes one of parylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyurea, polyarylate, polyethylene, epoxy resin, polyoxymethylene, polyphthalamide, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, polyimide, polysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, methyltrimethoxysilane, and polyfluorocarbon compounds.

[0043] Furthermore, the second material 34 is related to the thermal conductivity portion and may include a "hard" material, such as a metal. Preferably, the second material 34 includes one of copper, zinc, aluminum, gold, silver, cobalt, manganese, carbon black, graphene, aluminum bronze, aluminum silicate, SiO2, CuO, ZnO, TiO2, MoS2, and Al2O3.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first material 32 comprises 10 to 90 wt% of the biphase TCC, and the second material 34 comprises 10 to 90 wt% of the biphase TCC. The biphase TCC 30 has a contact angle between 100° and 160° and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W / mK.

[0045] In one example, the first material 32 may be 90 wt%, the second material 34 may be 10 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 0.3 W / mK and 1 W / mK. It should be understood that the first material 32 may constitute 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the two-phase TCC30 without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the second material 34 may comprise 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the dual-phase TCC30 without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be understood that the thermal conductivity can be 0.3 W / mK, 0.5 W / mK, 1 W / mK, 10 W / mK, 20 W / mK, 30 W / mK, 40 W / mK, 50 W / mK, 60 W / mK, 70 W / mK, 80 W / mK, 90 W / mK, or 100 W / mK, without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the contact angle can be 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, or 160°, without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0047] For example, the first material 32 may be 50 wt%, the second material 34 may be 50 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 3 W / mK and 5 W / mK. In another example, the first material 32 may be 30 wt%, the second material 34 may be 70 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 20 W / mK and 30 W / mK. In yet another example, the first material 32 may be 10 wt%, the second material 34 may be 90 wt%, and the thermal conductivity may be between 60 W / mK and 100 W / mK.

[0048] In one embodiment of this aspect, the coefficient of friction of the biphase TCC 30 is between 0.01 and 0.2. It should be understood that the coefficient of friction of the biphase TCC 30 may be 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19 or 0.20 without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0049] In another embodiment, the surface roughness of the biphase TCC 30 is between 10 Ra and 60 Ra. The surface roughness can be 10 Ra, 20 Ra, 30 Ra, 40 Ra, 50 Ra or 60 Ra without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0050] The description in this disclosure is exemplary in nature only, and changes that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such changes should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A throttle body for use in one of an engine and a fuel cell of a vehicle, the throttle body comprising: A cylindrical housing, the cylindrical housing including a first open end extending to a second open end, thereby defining an inner wall having an inner surface; A movable vane valve, movably disposed on the inner wall and configured to regulate the air entering the engine during vehicle operation, the movable vane valve having an outer surface; A dual-phase thermal composite coating (TCC) is disposed on one of the inner surface of the inner wall and the outer surface of the movable vane valve. The coating enhances thermal conductivity and reduces deposit accumulation on both the inner and outer surfaces. Deposits accumulate in the throttle body as water droplets, hydrocarbon residues, or carbon deposits that affect optimal airflow through the throttle body. The dual-phase TCC comprises a first material and a second material, the first material comprising 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the dual-phase TCC, and the second material comprising 10 wt% to 90 wt% of the dual-phase TCC. The dual-phase TCC has a thermal conductivity of 100... o and 160 o The contact angle between them and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.3 W / mK, The coefficient of friction of the biphase TCC is between 0.01 and 0.2, and the surface roughness of the biphase TCC is between 10 Ra and 60 Ra.

2. The throttle body according to claim 1, wherein, The first material is 90 wt%, the second material is 10 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 0.3 W / mK and 1 W / mK.

3. The throttle body according to claim 1, wherein, The first material is 50 wt%, the second material is 50 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 3 W / mK and 5 W / mK.

4. The throttle body according to claim 1, wherein, The first material is 30 wt%, the second material is 70 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 20 W / mK and 30 W / mK.

5. The throttle body according to claim 1, wherein, The first material is 10 wt%, the second material is 90 wt%, and the thermal conductivity is between 60 W / mK and 100 W / mK.

6. The throttle body according to claim 1, wherein, The first material includes one of parylene, polyester, polyurea, polyethylene, epoxy resin, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyimide, polysiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, methyltrimethoxysilane, and polyfluorocarbon compounds.

7. The throttle body according to claim 1, wherein, The second material includes one of copper, zinc, aluminum, gold, silver, cobalt, manganese, carbon black, graphene, aluminum bronze, aluminum silicate, SiO2, CuO, ZnO, TiO2, MoS2, and Al2O3.

8. The throttle body according to claim 1, wherein, The contact angle is 110° o and 160 o between.

Images