Coolant Valve Locking Mechanism for Single-Actuator Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve control devices for coolant circuits in motor vehicles are complex and costly, requiring multiple actuators and continuous power consumption to maintain valve positions, especially under varying conditions like temperature and fluid pressure.

Innovation Solution

A valve control device with a locking mechanism and a single driving device that can rotate to engage with multiple functional elements, allowing both valves to be actuated with a single actuator, reducing force requirements and enabling compact, lightweight design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple actuators are used to actuate multiple valves, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent valve controlVSAvoidNumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially actuating different valves through a shared drive mechanism. The locking mechanism can engage with multiple functional elements (first and second functional elements) to control different valves, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each valve while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple valve control functions are merged into a single actuator system. The drive mechanism integrates the actuation of multiple valves by providing a unified locking mechanism that can interact with multiple functional elements, reducing the total number of actuators from multiple individual units to one combined unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If strong actuators are used to move multiple rotary slides simultaneously, then all valves can be actuated at once, but the force requirements and dimensioning complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSimultaneous valve actuation capabilityVSAvoidActuator force requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The valve actuation process is segmented into sequential operations rather than simultaneous operations. The single actuator actuates valves one after another through the locking mechanism's engagement with different functional elements at different times, reducing the peak force requirements compared to moving all rotary slides simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator operates in periodic cycles, sequentially engaging with different functional elements to actuate different valves at different times. This periodic operation allows the system to achieve multiple valve actuation without requiring the actuator to generate maximum force for all valves simultaneously, thus reducing overall force requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If actuators use holding current to maintain valve position, then valve position stability is improved, but continuous power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveValve position stabilityVSAvoidContinuous power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to self-lock in the actuated position through mechanical engagement between the locking mechanism and the functional elements. Once the actuator moves the valve to the desired position, the locking mechanism maintains this position without requiring continuous power input, eliminating the need for holding current and associated continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical holding current system is replaced with a mechanical self-locking system. Instead of using continuous electrical current to maintain valve position, the patent employs a mechanical locking mechanism that physically secures the valve in its actuated position, substituting mechanical force for electrical power maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250189057A1Valve Control Device For a Motor Vehicle Coolant Circuit

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 ECO HLDG 1 GMBH

AI summary

A valve control device for a coolant circuit of a motor vehicle has a first valve with an associated first functional element, a second valve with an associated second functional element, wherein the first valve and the second valve are adapted to be variable in their switching position by rotation of the respectively associated functional element, and a locking mechanism including a driving device, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to be rotatable by a drive. The locking mechanism is adapted to be transferred from a first switching position to a second switching position by engagement of the driving device with the first functional element and from a first switching position to a second switching position by engagement of the driving device with the second functional element.