Butterfly EGR Valve Layout for Precise Flow and Low Motor Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional EGR valves face challenges in precisely controlling EGR gas flow when initially open due to the use of pivot valves, which require high motor output to maintain a closed state and result in excessive EGR gas introduction, making it difficult to control the flow effectively.

Innovation Solution

The EGR valve design incorporates a butterfly valve configuration with a rotation axis positioned within the EGR flow passage, featuring a first valve and a second valve disposed at different angles, where the second valve selectively interferes with fresh air flow, allowing for precise control by counterbalancing the force applied by EGR gas, reducing the need for high motor output and enhancing control precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a pivot valve is used for the EGR flow passage, then the valve can be opened and closed, but the motor output must be increased to withstand the force applied by EGR gas and maintain a closed state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor outputVSAvoidvalve control
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the counterweight principle by positioning the rotation axis at the center of the butterfly valve disc, creating a balanced configuration where EGR gas pressure acts equally on both sides of the valve. This balancing effect counteracts the force that would otherwise require high motor output to resist, allowing the valve to maintain closed state with minimal motor power while enabling easy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Measurement precision

If a pivot valve is used for the EGR flow passage, then the valve can be opened and closed, but a large amount of EGR gas is introduced when the valve is initially open and it is difficult to precisely control EGR gas

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEGR gas flow control precisionVSAvoidEGR gas flow amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a butterfly valve configuration with rotational movement around a central axis, allowing for gradual and precise adjustment of the valve opening angle. This dynamic control mechanism enables fine-tuned regulation of EGR gas flow from fully closed to fully open positions, preventing sudden large amounts of gas introduction and allowing precise control at any intermediate position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the fresh air control valve is moved simultaneously with the EGR valve, then a predetermined portion of the fresh air flow passage cross section is blocked, but the amount of fresh air introduced per hour is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve coordinationVSAvoidfresh air introduction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the segmentation principle by separating the control functions into two independent valve systems: the EGR control valve (butterfly valve) and the fresh air control valve. This segmentation allows each valve to be controlled independently according to different operational requirements, enabling the EGR valve to regulate exhaust gas recirculation while the fresh air valve maintains optimal fresh air intake, thus preventing unwanted reduction in fresh air introduction rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3683433B1EGR valve for vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 KAMTEC
  • EP3683433B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683433B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3683433B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Disclosed is an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for a vehicle including a fresh air flow passage, an EGR flow passage connected to the fresh air flow passage, a first valve including a valve unit configured to selectively close a portion of the fresh air flow passage according to an open and closed state while opening and closing the EGR flow passage, the valve unit opening and closing the EGR flow passage, and a second valve disposed at one side of the first valve and disposed at a different angle from the first valve, the second valve provided to selectively interfere or not interfere with fluid flow of fresh air in the fresh air flow passage while being moved with the first valve, wherein the first valve is provided in the form of a butterfly valve with respect to the EGR flow passage.