Cooling Fluid Valve Assembly with Pressure-Balanced Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling fluid valves have complex structures with multi-part valve sleeves and diameter variations, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble, and they exhibit high geometric and dimensional tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a valve housing and a movable valve body that allows for continuous adjustment between end positions to open or block flow paths, featuring a sealing mechanism with biasing means for radial contact and a non-uniform flow cross-section expansion to control fluid flow, and a pressure-balanced design with an electrically actuable drive for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-part valve sleeves with diameter variations are used to achieve diverse valve functions, then the valve functions become versatile, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with a uniform bore. The valve piston with different sealing elements and the valve sleeve with varying flow cross-sections work together within one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate valve sleeves with different diameters. This integration maintains diverse valve functions while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple valve functions through the coordinated action of the valve piston and valve sleeve. The uniform bore of the valve body serves as a common passage for all flow paths, while the movable valve piston creates different flow conditions. This universal design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-part valve sleeves with diameter variations are used to achieve diverse valve functions, then the valve functions become versatile, but the geometric and dimensional tolerances increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functions into a single valve body with uniform bore dimensions, the patent eliminates the need to maintain tight tolerances across multiple interfaces between different diameter valve sleeves. The uniform bore allows for consistent manufacturing tolerances throughout, while the movable valve piston and valve sleeve provide the necessary functional variation without requiring complex dimensional control.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple valve housing structure is used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the ability to实现 diverse valve functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable valve piston that can be positioned at different locations within the uniform bore of the valve body. This dynamic element allows a simple, static valve housing structure to achieve multiple valve functions by changing the position of the valve piston. The valve piston can create different flow paths, control flow rates, and achieve various valve functions without requiring the valve housing itself to be complex or adaptable.
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 solution enables easy manufacturing and assembly, reduces geometric and dimensional tolerances, allows for versatile functions, and provides precise control over fluid flow with minimal leakage, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a first sealing portion (220) that seals against the valve housing... the sealing element (222) is in contact with the valve chamber wall (132) as completely as possible
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for cooling fluid includes: a valve housing including a valve chamber, an inflow port, a first outflow port, and a second outflow port, wherein a first flow path is formed between the inflow port and the first outflow port and a second flow path is formed between the inflow port and the second outflow port; a valve body which is arranged within the valve chamber and is configured to be movable between a first end position for enabling the first flow path, a second end position for enabling the second flow path and a central position for blocking the first and the second flow path, in particular the inflow port.