Coolant Valve Locking Mechanism for Single-Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve control devices for coolant circuits in motor vehicles are complex, costly, and require multiple actuators due to increased complexity, leading to issues with switch position verification, especially after power failures, and continuous electricity consumption for holding currents.
Innovation Solution
A valve control device with a locking mechanism that uses a single actuator to drive both valves through a control pin engaging with different engagement contours, providing self-locking action without holding current, allowing symmetrical and non-symmetrical switching logics with reduced force requirements and no need for sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used to control multiple valves, then each valve can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single actuator that controls multiple valves through a common drive mechanism. The actuator housing contains multiple drive shafts that can independently rotate to control different valves, reducing the total number of actuators while maintaining independent valve control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple valves. The drive mechanism includes multiple drive shafts and engagement units that can selectively engage with different functional elements, allowing one actuator to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate actuators.
2Reliability
If holding current is applied to retain valves in switch position, then valve position stability is improved, but continuous electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system employs self-service through mechanical self-locking mechanisms. The functional elements and engagement units are designed with engagement contours that automatically lock the valve in its switch position without requiring continuous electrical power. The mechanical geometry of the engagement contours provides inherent position retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical holding current system with a mechanical locking system. Instead of using electromagnetic forces to maintain valve position, the design uses precisely shaped engagement contours between mechanical components that physically prevent the valve from moving out of position without continuous power.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are added to verify switch position, then position verification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-verification of switch position through the mechanical engagement contours themselves. The geometry of the engagement contours between the functional elements and drive mechanism inherently indicates the switch position, eliminating the need for separate sensing components. The mechanical structure serves its own verification function.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement contours act as an intermediary that translates valve position into mechanically verifiable states. The specific geometric shapes of the engagement contours provide inherent position information through their physical configuration, serving as a mechanical mediator that eliminates the need for electronic sensors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is sized to handle maximum force requirements, then all valves can be actuated, but the actuator size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates with periodic action by sequentially actuating different valves rather than simultaneously driving all of them. The drive mechanism rotates through different positions, engaging with different functional elements at different times. This time-sequential operation allows the actuator to be sized for lower peak forces while maintaining the ability to control all valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator applies partial action at any given moment, focusing its force on only one valve at a time rather than distributing force across all valves simultaneously. This partial action approach allows the actuator to be smaller and lighter while still achieving full valve control capability through sequential operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Valve control device (100) for a coolant circuit of a motor vehicle, said valve control device (100) comprising a first valve (120) having an assigned first functional element (125) comprising a first engagement unit (122), a second valve (150) having an assigned second functional element (155) comprising a second engagement unit (152), wherein the first valve (120) and the second valve (150) in terms of the switch position thereof are configured so as to be variable by rotating the respective assigned functional element (125, 155), a locking mechanism (200) comprising an entrainment installation ( ), wherein the locking mechanism (200) is configured so as to be able to be driven by means of a drive (300), wherein the locking mechanism (200) in a rotating movement, by means of the entrainment installation (210) engaging in the first engagement unit (122), is configured for transferring the first functional element (125) from a first switch position to a second switch position, and/or, by means of the entrainment installation (210) engaging in the second engagement unit (152), is configured for transferring the second functional element (155) from a first switch position to a second switch position, and wherein the engagement unit (122) of the first functional element (125) comprises a first number of engagement contours (123), and the engagement unit (152) of the second functional element (125) comprises a second number of engagement contours (153), wherein the first number differs from the second number.