Concentric Valve Flow Guides for Engine Throttle Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve designs, such as poppet, barrel, and butterfly valves, are inadequate for controlling air flow and pressure in internal combustion engine throttle bodies, particularly when frequent transitional and full-range valve motion occurs with changing air velocity and pressure, as they fail to provide predictable and accurate flow control across the entire operational range.
Innovation Solution
A flow-guiding concentric valve with a venturi cone and iris mechanism, comprising arced plates and a cam ring, that directs airflow into a vortex, allowing for consistent and measurable flow control from fully open to fully closed positions by progressively directing air toward the center of the valve opening, eliminating asymmetric obstacles and maintaining smooth flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a butterfly valve is used for throttle body air intake control, then the valve structure is simple and economical, but the flow control becomes erratic and unpredictable at low opening angles (0-20 degrees) and the pressure differential substantially increases with heat soak
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disc is segmented into multiple curved vanes that can rotate independently or in coordination, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific flow control functions at different opening angles, thereby improving overall flow predictability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve disc uses curved surfaces and rounded edges instead of flat plates, creating smoother airflow paths that reduce turbulence and pressure differentials, especially at low opening angles where traditional flat-disc valves perform poorly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a butterfly valve operates through its full range of motion, then the valve can control flow from fully closed to fully open, but the process gain becomes very high at low travels and very low at higher travels, making precise measurement and control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates dynamic flow guides and adjustable vanes that change their position and orientation based on the valve opening angle, actively compensating for the non-linear process gain characteristics to maintain consistent flow control and measurement accuracy across the full operating range
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design changes geometric parameters such as vane angle, disc curvature, and flow passage cross-section dynamically with opening angle, transforming the non-linear flow characteristics into a more linear relationship between valve position and flow rate, thereby improving measurement precision
3Speed
If a poppet valve is used for fluid control, then the valve can rapidly open and close to hold or evacuate pressure, but the valve creates asymmetric obstruction and disrupts smooth flow through the system
Solution Approach 1:
The poppet valve uses a spherical or rounded disc shape with curved flow passages instead of sharp edges and flat surfaces, allowing rapid opening and closing while maintaining smooth airflow and reducing turbulence and pressure losses during transition
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 concentric valve ensures predictable and accurate pressure and flow control throughout the operational range, improving airflow management and reducing inefficiencies by maintaining smooth flow and minimizing pressure differentials, even at partial openings, thus enhancing the stability and efficiency of the throttle body operation.
Implementation Method 1
A flow-guiding concentric valve with a venturi cone and iris mechanism, comprising arced plates and a cam ring, that directs airflow into a vortex
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve for controlling the volume and flow characteristics of a fluid in a predictable controllable manner. Specifically, the invention relates to an air valve design for an internal combustion engine throttle body that proportionately manages air flow, pressure, and velocities through all stages of opening with consistent and measurable parameters through a concentric or near-concentric opening.