Double Flapper Check Valve for Variable Cam Phaser Oil Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable cam timing systems face limitations in fluid flow control and stress distribution due to the use of single opening ball check valves, which restricts the efficiency and reliability of camshaft timing adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A double flapper valve assembly with a housing, flapper valve, valve seat, and a stopper piece featuring double sloped stoppers is introduced, allowing for improved fluid flow and stress distribution by limiting the stroke of flexible flaps and enhancing dynamic response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single opening ball check valve is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid flow rate and control precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single ball check valve is segmented into multiple flapper valves (first and second flapper valves) with separate openings. Each flapper valve independently controls fluid flow through its own opening, allowing simultaneous multi-directional flow control and significantly increasing the total fluid flow rate through the check valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure transitions from a single opening configuration to a multi-opening three-dimensional arrangement. The first and second openings are positioned at different locations and orientations, enabling fluid to enter from multiple directions simultaneously, thereby increasing overall flow capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a single opening ball check valve is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the stress distribution on components becomes concentrated and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrated stress on a single ball valve is segmented and distributed across multiple flapper valves. Each flapper valve handles a portion of the fluid flow and associated forces, preventing stress concentration and reducing the risk of component failure, thereby improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flapper valve and its corresponding opening are designed with specific local characteristics optimized for their individual flow paths. The stopper piece includes first and second stoppers positioned to independently control each flapper valve, allowing localized stress management and improved reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire valve assembly.
3Strength
If the stroke of flexible flaps is limited by stoppers, then the stress on flapper valves is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The stoppers are integrated into the housing structure rather than being separate external components. The housing incorporates first and second stoppers that directly limit the stroke of the respective flapper valves, combining the limiting function with the existing housing and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining protective benefits.
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 double flapper valve assembly achieves higher fluid flow rates and reduced stress on components, resulting in improved performance and reliability compared to traditional single opening ball check valves, with increased passage area and better control over oil flow into the camshaft timing phaser.
Implementation Method 1
a flapper valve (108) coupled to the housing (102) and having at least two flexible flaps (108)
Implementation Method 2
the stopper piece (103) including at least two stoppers (103) each having a sloped configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve for controlling the flow of a fluid into a variable camshaft timing phaser.