Compensation Valve Structure for Fluid Pressure Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control valves are complex, costly, and cumbersome, particularly in applications where they must operate in low ambient temperatures, such as in motor vehicles or outdoor electrical appliances, and are prone to structural damage from fluid volume and pressure increases.
Innovation Solution
A compact, electrically operated valve with a simplified structure, featuring a moulded plastic valve body and a compensation element made of elastically deformable material, which is integrated within the valve chamber to prevent damage from fluid volume and pressure increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compensation element is added to prevent structural damage from fluid volume and pressure increases, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation element is integrated directly into the valve body, merging two separate functions (fluid control and volume compensation) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate compensation chambers and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural housing for fluid control and as a compensation chamber for volume changes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate housing for the compensation element is provided, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation chamber is merged with the valve body as a single integrated component rather than being a separate housing. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability benefits of having a dedicated compensation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to simultaneously serve as the structural housing and as the compensation chamber. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate compensation housings, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve structure is simplified to reduce cost and complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the risk of malfunctioning due to inefficient co-operation between shut-off means and valve seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is integrated directly into the simplified valve body structure, ensuring precise alignment and co-operation between the shut-off means and valve seat. This integration maintains sealing reliability while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall valve structure is simplified, the local area of the valve seat and shut-off means maintains high precision features. This localized attention to quality in critical sealing areas ensures reliable co-operation even though the rest of the structure is simplified for easier manufacturing.
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 valve achieves efficient fluid control with reduced risk of structural damage, is simpler and less expensive to produce, and maintains precise operation even in challenging temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a compensation element (25), prearranged for compensating a possible increase in volume and/or pressure of the controlled fluid (8-9), wherein the compensation element (25) comprises at least one compensation body (26) made of an elastically deformable and/or compressible material
Data Source
AI summary
A valve (1) for controlling a flow of a fluid comprises: —a valve body having at least one first body part (2) made of a moulded plastic material; —a chamber for passage of the fluid (6), defined within the first body part (2) and comprising at least one fluid inlet (6a) and at least one fluid outlet (6b); —a valve seat (7) defined within the chamber for passage (6) of the fluid; —means for shutting off the fluid (8-9), which can be displaced relative to the valve seat (7) in order to control flow of the fluid; and —a compensation element prearranged for compensating a possible increase in volume and/or pressure of the fluid. The compensation element comprises a compensation body (26) made of an elastically deformable and/or compressible material, the moulded plastic material of the first body part (2) being stiffer than the elastically deformable and/or compressible material. The first body part (2) defines a tubular portion (23) that extends between the valve seat (7) and one of the inlet (6a) and the outlet (6b), within the chamber for passage of the fluid (6). The compensation body (26) is mounted within the chamber for passage of the fluid (6) so as to surround the tubular portion (23) at least partially.