Compact Thermostatic Valve Structure for Stable Oil Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostatic valves in vehicles are large, heavy, and prone to instability due to vibrations, leading to energy waste and potential control errors in lubricating oil temperature regulation, which contradicts the trend of energy saving and emission reduction.
Innovation Solution
A compact thermostatic valve design featuring a valve body with a chamber, thermal actuator, and springs, where the thermal actuator includes a heat-sensitive substance that expands with temperature changes, controlling the flow between connecting ports to regulate lubricating oil temperature efficiently, while maintaining stability and reducing size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional thermostatic valves are used for lubricating oil temperature regulation, then the temperature control function is achieved, but the valve occupies large space and has large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermal actuator, spring mechanism, and valve body into a nested compact structure where the thermal actuator is positioned within the valve body chamber, and the spring is housed within the actuator assembly, achieving space-efficient packaging while maintaining full temperature control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a radial spoke structure that distributes mechanical forces across multiple dimensions, allowing the valve mechanism to achieve stable operation in a reduced volume by utilizing three-dimensional space optimization rather than linear scaling
2Weight of moving object
If conventional thermostatic valves are used, then temperature regulation is provided, but the valve weight is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the spring mechanism within the thermal actuator housing, and positions the valve seat within the compact valve body, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity and control stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite construction with the valve body, end cover, and actuator components formed from optimized material combinations that reduce weight while maintaining the mechanical strength and thermal resistance required for reliable operation in vehicle environments
3Reliability
If conventional thermostatic valves are used, then oil temperature control is achieved, but the valve is prone to deviation under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-loaded spring mechanism that applies preliminary counteracting force to the thermal actuator, creating a stable equilibrium position that resists vibration-induced deviation and maintains accurate temperature control without energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the valve body into distinct functional zones with the thermal actuator, spring mechanism, and valve seat positioned in separate but coordinated compartments, allowing each component to perform its function independently while resisting vibration through distributed structural support
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 provides a lightweight, stable thermostatic valve that efficiently regulates lubricating oil temperature, reducing energy waste and enhancing control accuracy, aligning with energy-saving and miniaturization goals.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal actuator includes a heat-sensitive substance that expands with temperature changes, controlling the flow between connecting ports to regulate lubricating oil temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A thermostatic valve, comprising: a valve body (2) having a cavity (21) provided therein; an end cover (1), a thermal actuator (3) and a first spring (33) which are provided in the cavity (21). The end cover (1) is provided with a first valve seat; the first valve seat is provided with a first valve port (14); the first valve port (14) is provided opposed to a second port (34), and the first valve seat encloses an inner end opening of the second port (34); an outer wall of the first valve seat enclosing the inner end opening of the second port (34) is in clearance fitting with an inner wall of the cavity; an outer wall at an end of the body (31) of the thermal actuator which is near the end cover (1) is in slide fitting with an inner wall of the valve seat; the thermostatic valve opens and closes the first valve port (14) by means of the body (31) of the thermal actuator; when the first valve port (14) is closed, the second port (34) is not in communication with the first port (23); when the first valve port (14) is opened, the first port (23) communicates with the second port (34) by means of the first valve port (14). The thermostatic valve is compact, lightweight and very stable.