Electromagnetic Coolant Valve Positioning for Adaptive Engine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant flow regulation systems in internal combustion engines lack sensitivity and complexity, limiting their ability to adapt to varying operating conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A brake system is integrated with a rotatable valve body in the valve apparatus, allowing electromagnetic actuation to control coolant flow through pivotable brake elements between the rotor and stator, enabling precise regulation from maximum open to closed positions, including intermediate settings, with a safety mechanism to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostatically controlled regulating valve is used for coolant flow regulation, then the system is simple in construction, but the regulation sensitivity and adaptability to varying operating conditions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical thermostatic regulation system with an electromagnetic brake system. The brake elements, when energized, create magnetic fields that precisely control the valve body position, enabling sensitive and continuous coolant flow regulation without complex mechanical linkages or multiple moving parts. This substitution of mechanical thermostatic expansion/contraction with electromagnetic actuation achieves high regulation sensitivity while maintaining construction simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If only opening/closing regulation is implemented, then the device complexity is low, but the regulation precision and ability to control intermediate positions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning capability through the electromagnetic brake system. The brake elements can be independently controlled to maintain the valve body at any intermediate position between fully open and fully closed states. By adjusting the magnetic field strength and brake element engagement, the system achieves continuous, precise valve positioning rather than discrete open/closed states, enabling accurate coolant flow control adapted to varying engine operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic actuation is used for precise coolant flow control, then the regulation sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional brake system that serves both as a positioning mechanism and a holding mechanism. The same electromagnetic brake elements that provide precise positioning also maintain the valve body at desired positions without continuous energy input. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuators and control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high regulation sensitivity and adaptability.
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
This solution provides a sensitive, reliable, and adaptable coolant flow regulation, ensuring efficient engine cooling while preventing overheating by allowing precise control of coolant flow volumes and automatically releasing flow in case of system failures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one brake element is provided between the rotor and the stator of the electromagnetically actuable brake system and can be moved under the magnetic action
Implementation Method 2
The brake system can be actuated in an electromagnetic manner to regulate the coolant flow
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for regulating the coolant flow for internal combustion engines in motor vehicles has a valve body which can be moved in a valve apparatus (8) for opening or closing or partially opening. The valve body can be arranged in a throughflow opening to be connected to a brake system (1, 2, 3, 4; 11, 12, 13, 14; 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) to regulate the volume of the coolant flow.