Heat Management Control Valve With Passive Shaft Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valves for heat management modules in motor vehicles require complex structures and significant installation space to achieve continuous regulation of coolant flow, which is energy-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design featuring a radial spring and clamping wedge mechanism that allows for continuous, energy-free regulation of coolant flow by inhibiting or facilitating axial movement of the valve shaft, enabling precise control of volume flow without the need for complex equipment or high energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex control valve structure is used to achieve continuous regulation of coolant flow, then the regulation precision is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded valve shaft that can move axially to assume different positions, enabling continuous regulation of coolant flow. The spring provides restoring force while allowing the valve shaft to respond to control signals by moving to intermediate positions, achieving precise flow control without complex mechanical linkages or multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of flow regulation to a simple valve shaft-valve seat arrangement, removing unnecessary complex components. The control mechanism is reduced to moving the valve shaft axially between open, closed, and intermediate positions, eliminating the need for complex rotary mechanisms, multiple seals, or intricate actuation systems while maintaining regulation precision.
2Measurement precision
If a complex control valve structure is used to achieve continuous regulation of coolant flow, then the regulation precision is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the valve shaft within a compact housing structure, with the spring contained within the valve shaft assembly. The valve seat is integrated into the housing, and the coolant flow path is optimized to pass directly through the valve shaft, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes installation space while enabling continuous flow regulation through axial movement of the valve shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes axial movement of the valve shaft as the primary control dimension, replacing complex rotary or lateral movement mechanisms. By confining the regulation function to one-dimensional axial displacement, the design achieves precise flow control in a compact footprint, reducing the area required for installation while maintaining regulation precision.
3Reliability
If traditional control valve designs are used, then the structure is proven reliable, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded valve shaft that automatically returns to its default position when control force is removed, eliminating the need for powered return mechanisms or continuous energy input to maintain position. The spring provides passive restoring force, enabling the valve to self-regulate and return to closed position without additional energy consumption, thereby reducing overall energy requirements while maintaining system reliability through proven spring-mechanical operation.
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 control valve allows for continuous, precise regulation of coolant flow with reduced energy requirements and minimal installation space, enabling efficient heat management in motor vehicles by maintaining any axial position passively, thus optimizing heat dissipation and absorption.
Implementation Method 1
The radial spring rests radially on the shaft bearing which has a first reversing groove and a second reversing groove. The radial spring, in the region of the bearing surface, is unable to overcome the clamping wedge, and the radial spring can be pressed radially by the clamping wedge such that the valve shaft is inhibited in the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve for a heat management module of a motor vehicle is provided, which includes a valve disk, a valve shaft connected to the valve disk, and a shaft bearing on which the valve shaft is mounted such that it can move axially from a bearing surface. The control valve further includes a radial spring biased radially towards the shaft bearing. A receiving groove of the valve shaft includes an inhibiting section and a free-running section that are axially separated by a clamping wedge,The radial spring, in the region of the bearing surface is unable to overcome the clamping wedge and the radial spring is pressable radially by the clamping wedge such that the valve shaft is inhibited in the axial direction away from the free-running section.A control position can be held in a continuous manner without energy in a small installation space.