Coolant Ball Valve Flow Diverter for Faster Expansion Element Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant control valves in vehicles face delays in engine cooling due to insufficient fluid velocity around expansible elements, which can lead to engine overheating, as they require a minimum fluid velocity and pressure drop for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A coolant control ball valve assembly with a flow diverter that increases coolant velocity around the expansible element, minimizing pressure drop and ensuring efficient operation by directing coolant directly at the expansible element, thereby facilitating timely activation and efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant control valves use a bypass line during warm-up phase, then the engine can warm up efficiently, but the fluid velocity around the expansible element becomes insufficient causing activation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the coolant flow path by introducing a dedicated flow diverter component that separates and directs specific coolant streams. The flow diverter creates distinct flow channels that ensure sufficient velocity directed specifically at the expansible element while maintaining the bypass line functionality for warm-up efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverter acts as an intermediary component between the bypass line and the expansible element. It mediates the coolant flow by redirecting a portion of the coolant to impinge directly on the expansible element, ensuring adequate velocity for timely activation while preserving the overall bypass flow path.
2Stress or pressure
If the coolant flow path is simplified, then the pressure drop through the system decreases, but the fluid velocity around the expansible element becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter applies local quality by creating a localized high-velocity flow region specifically at the expansible element. While the overall system maintains low pressure drop through simplified pathways, the flow diverter locally redirects coolant to generate sufficient velocity where needed for expansible element activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverter introduces a dimensional change in flow direction by redirecting coolant from a general flow path to a targeted impingement path. This spatial redirection creates the necessary velocity conditions at the expansible element without requiring increased overall system pressure drop.
3Device complexity
If the expansible element is positioned in a simplified flow path, then device complexity is reduced, but activation timing is delayed due to insufficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter serves as an intermediary that enhances heat transfer to the expansible element without complicating the overall valve structure. It redirects coolant flow to impinge directly on the expansible element, ensuring timely activation while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverter performs preliminary action by pre-directing high-velocity coolant flow toward the expansible element before activation is needed. This ensures that when the expansible element requires activation, sufficient heat transfer has already occurred to enable timely response.
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 flow diverter ensures the expansible element operates without delays, maintaining optimal engine temperature and efficiency, reducing the risk of overheating and improving engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
The flow diverter allows for coolant to reach a minimum velocity around the expansion element
Implementation Method 2
provide sufficient heat transfer and to perform correctly
Implementation Method 3
The expansible element is responsible for adjusting the coolant control valve by opening and closing the paths of coolant through the valve. Expansible elements operate temperature-dependently
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant control ball valve assembly comprises a housing that includes a housing chamber. The coolant control ball valve assembly further comprises a channel and a plurality of ports that extend from the housing chamber, and a valve element positioned in line with the channel and the plurality of ports. Additionally, the coolant control ball valve assembly comprises an actuator assembly in communication with the valve element. The actuator assembly includes an expansion element, and linear translation of the actuator assembly results in rotational translation of the valve element. Further, the coolant control ball valve comprises a flow diverter positioned adjacent the valve element. The flow diverter allows for coolant to reach a minimum velocity around the expansion element.