Ball Valve Cam Feature for Direct Engine Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of thermal control devices with dynamic seals into vehicle propulsion systems poses installation challenges due to the need for external housings, which complicates the integration of ball valves into engine components.
Innovation Solution
A novel ball valve assembly with a partially spherical outer surface and recessed cam feature that allows for direct integration into the cylinder block or engine structure, eliminating the need for an external housing by using a spring-loaded seal assembly within the valve chamber, where the cam feature aligns with the seal member during insertion and rotation to engage the seal dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional ball valve with external housing is used, then the valve can be assembled separately, but the integration into engine components becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve body is directly integrated into the engine component (cylinder block or head) by forming the valve body as a cavity within the engine component itself. The dynamic seal assembly is installed directly into this integrated valve body, eliminating the need for separate external housing and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine component (cylinder block or head) serves dual functions: it acts as both the engine structural component and as the ball valve housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate valve housing, simplifying the overall system integration.
2Reliability
If a dynamic seal assembly is installed in a conventional valve housing, then sealing is achieved, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic seal assembly is pre-assembled with the spring member and positioned in the valve body cavity before final installation. The cam feature is pre-formed on the ball valve, allowing the seal to be dynamically engaged during a single rotation operation, reducing installation time and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly uses a spring member that provides dynamic sealing force, allowing the seal to adapt to pressure changes and maintain reliable sealing. The cam feature enables dynamic engagement of the seal during valve operation, ensuring consistent sealing performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the ball valve is designed with a standard geometry, then manufacturing is straightforward, but direct integration into the engine component is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve is segmented into functional features: a spherical body for flow control, a cam feature for seal engagement, and an integrated valve opening. The spherical cavity is directly formed within the engine component, while the cam feature provides the necessary mechanical interface for dynamic sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve utilizes a spherical geometry for the valve body, which is directly formed as a cavity within the engine component. The spherical shape facilitates smooth flow control and allows for direct integration into the engine's cylindrical structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling integration.
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
This solution simplifies the installation and service of ball valves by integrating them directly into engine components, reducing complexity and allowing for efficient thermal control within vehicle propulsion systems.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamic seal assembly is provided including a spring member and a seal member disposed in a seal chamber
Implementation Method 2
A valve member includes a partially spherical outer surface with a recessed cam feature extending from the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A ball valve assembly includes a housing having a valve chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A dynamic seal assembly including a spring member and a seal member are disposed in a seal chamber in one of the inlet opening and the outlet opening, wherein the spring member biases an end portion of the seal member into the valve chamber. A valve member includes a partially spherical outer surface with a recessed cam feature extending from the outer surface and a valve opening disposed in the outer surface, wherein during assembly of the valve member in the valve chamber the recessed cam feature is aligned with the end portion of the seal member and the valve member is rotated to engage the outer surface of the valve member with the end portion of the seal member.