Directional Valve Seal Mounting for Low-Friction Coolant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-directional valves for motor vehicle thermal management systems face issues with sealing problems and high frictional forces due to complex designs and large number of parts, leading to the need for powerful actuators and inadequate flexibility in seal mounting.
Innovation Solution
A directional valve with a form-fit engagement between the seal and seal support, using injection molding to create a single-piece seal with a barb structure that securely attaches to the valve member or housing without additional fastening means, allowing for simpler and more flexible mounting and reduced friction through a slotted link guide and rail guide mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-part seal packs with sleeve holders and receiving sleeves are used, then sealing contact is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holder, sealing element, and receiving sleeve into a single integrated seal pack component. The seal pack includes a body with an integrated sealing element and a retaining feature, eliminating the need for separate sleeve holders and receiving sleeves while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated seal pack serves multiple functions: it provides sealing contact, structural support, and self-retention within the valve housing. The single component design performs the roles previously distributed across multiple parts, simplifying the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If sealing elements with predetermined curvature are used, then sealing surfaces are adapted to valve housing, but design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is provided with a specific curvature or profile in the sealing region to match the valve housing surface, while other portions of the seal pack can have different geometries. This allows localized adaptation for sealing while maintaining design flexibility for other functional requirements.
3Strength
If additional fastening means are used to secure O-rings, then mounting strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal pack includes an integrated retaining feature such as a protrusion or flange that automatically secures the sealing element in place during assembly. This self-retaining design eliminates the need for additional fastening means like clips, screws, or adhesives while ensuring proper mounting strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A directional valve adjusts a fluid flow, such as a coolant flow. The valve includes a valve housing having at least two fluid openings, a valve member adjustable to close and at least partially open the at least two fluid openings, and a seal mounted in a mounting direction in a seal support of the valve member or the valve housing. The seal support and the seal are form-matched to each other such that the seal and the seal support engage behind each other in a barb-like manner with respect to the mounting direction.