Cam-Driven Sliding Gate Valve Module for Compact EV Thermal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex thermal management systems in electric vehicles face challenges with large multiport fluid valves that hinder packaging efficiency, requiring innovative solutions to manage coolant and refrigerant flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cam-driven fluid valve assembly integrated into a single module, featuring a valve housing with lobed cams and sliding gate valves, allowing precise control of fluid flow and accommodating various vehicle components, while using low-pressure pumps and lightweight, durable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiport fluid valves are used to control fluid flow in complex thermal management systems, then the system can accommodate more vehicle components and provide comprehensive temperature control, but the valve size becomes large making it difficult to meet packaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent gate valves (first gate valve, second gate valve, third gate valve, fourth gate valve) that can be individually actuated by separate cams on the cam shaft. This segmentation allows each valve to control fluid flow to specific components independently, providing comprehensive temperature control while maintaining a compact overall valve structure that meets packaging requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple gate valves are integrated into a single valve housing, then packaging efficiency is improved and space is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single valve housing integrates multiple gate valves and a common cam shaft that actuates all valves. The cam shaft serves as a universal actuation mechanism for all four gate valves, and the valve housing provides a unified structure that accommodates multiple fluid passages and valve components. This multi-functional integration reduces overall space while managing complexity through standardized design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple gate valves are merged into a single valve housing with a common actuation system. The first, second, third, and fourth gate valves are combined within one housing structure, all controlled by the cam shaft with its multiple cams. This merging consolidates what would otherwise be separate valve assemblies into a single compact unit, improving packaging efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If cam-driven actuation is used to control multiple valves, then precise control of fluid flow timing and duration is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profiles are designed with specific geometric parameters that directly control the actuation timing and duration of each gate valve. By varying the cam lobe dimensions, lift heights, and angular positions along the cam shaft, precise control over when each valve opens and closes is achieved. This parameter-based control allows flexible timing adjustment without increasing manufacturing complexity, as the cams can be manufactured using standard precision machining or molding processes.
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 enables efficient and compact thermal management by precisely controlling fluid flow, reducing the size and weight of the valve assembly, and improving durability, thus addressing packaging constraints and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cam-driven fluid valve assembly includes a valve housing that may be integrated in the module housing... The assembly includes a plurality of lobed cams supported on a cam shaft. The cam shaft may be driven to rotate by an actuator. The cams rotate in concert with the cam shaft and each cam is arranged to control the open/closed state of a corresponding gate valve.
Implementation Method 2
The valve housing of the cam-driven fluid valve assembly is configured to define a plurality of fluid passageways and to support an array of sliding gate valves in the fluid passageways in such a way that the flow of fluid through the valve housing is controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
A cam-driven valve system includes a valve housing configured to define a plurality of fluid passageways and to support an array of sliding gate fluid valves in the fluid passageways in such a way that the flow of fluid therethrough is controlled. The system includes a plurality of cams supported on a cam shaft. The cam shaft is arranged so that each cam is associated with a corresponding sliding gate valve. Rotation of the cam shaft results in actuation of the valves via the cams. The cams of the cam shaft vary in shape and size.