Motorized Backflow Valve With Pressure-Responsive Outlet Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air supply valves in vehicles fail to effectively prevent backflow of gas when high pressure is generated in the opposite direction, leading to partial opening and reverse gas flow.

Innovation Solution

An air supply valve with a backflow prevention function, featuring a housing with a motor, a driver with a gear part and converter for linear motion, and a valve module with a stem and closing part that moves to seal the outlet under pressure, utilizing an elastic part and stem sealing member for effective sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional valve plate structure is used, then the valve is easy to open, but the valve plate partially opens under high backflow pressure allowing gas to flow backward

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease to open valveVSAvoidbackflow prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve plate is divided into two separate components: a main valve body and a closing part. The closing part is specifically designed to seal against backflow pressure, while the main valve body handles the opening operation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, preventing the valve plate from partially opening under backflow pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A closing part acts as an intermediary element between the valve body and the outlet. This closing part is specifically designed to respond to backflow pressure and seal the outlet when necessary, mediating between the open valve state and the backflow prevention requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the valve plate is designed to seal firmly under high pressure, then backflow is prevented, but the valve becomes difficult to open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidease to open valve
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the sealing function (closing part) from the actuation function (valve body), the design allows the closing part to provide strong sealing under pressure while the valve body remains easy to operate. The closing part is driven by the pressure differential itself, reducing the force needed to open the main valve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing part dynamically responds to pressure conditions: it seals firmly when backflow pressure is detected and opens when forward flow pressure is applied. This dynamic behavior allows the valve to adapt its sealing strength based on operating conditions without requiring constant high actuation force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple valve structure is used, then manufacturing is easy, but the valve cannot respond to pressure differences to prevent backflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structure simplicityVSAvoidpressure response capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is segmented into a simple valve body and a separate closing part that responds to pressure. This segmentation adds pressure response capability while keeping each individual component relatively simple to manufacture. The closing part can be designed as a separate element that is easier to manufacture than a complex integrated valve plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing part is designed to be actuated automatically by pressure differences without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms. The pressure differential itself serves as the actuating force, making the valve self-regulating and simple to manufacture while providing reliable backflow prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures the valve remains closed under high pressure and effectively prevents backflow by using a stem and closing part that responds to pressure differences, maintaining a firm open and closed state and preventing reverse air flow.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part applied to elastically support the closing part according to movement of the stem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a stem sealing member that is in contact with an outer circumference of the stem and performs the sealing function is provided on the outer closing part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact sealing:

Implementation Method 3

an outer closing part that selectively comes in contact with the edge of the outlet and performs a sealing function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4116550B1A valve for preventing backflow
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 KAMTEC
  • EP4116550B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4116550B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4116550B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a valve for preventing backflow, for preventing backflow of air or gas through an outlet. The valve includes a housing that includes a motor mounted therein and in which a supply flow path and an outlet of air are formed, a driver including a gear part for transmitting driving force of the motor and a converter for converting rotation of the gear part to linear motion, and a valve module that is coupled to an end of the converter and is opened while being spaced apart from the outlet of the housing to be connected to the supply flow path or is closed while being in contact with the outlet.