Double Flapper Check Valve for Higher-Flow Cam Phasers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable cam timing systems rely on single opening check valves, which limit flow passage and increase costs and package size, while offering suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A double flapper check valve assembly with a housing, flexible flaps, and a valve seat that opens and closes to control fluid flow, allowing for higher flow passage and reduced size and cost compared to traditional single opening check valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single opening check valve is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid flow capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is segmented into multiple independent flapper elements (typically three flappers) that operate simultaneously within a single valve body. Each flapper creates its own flow passage, allowing multiple fluid streams to pass through concurrently, thereby increasing overall flow capacity without requiring multiple separate valve assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The valve transitions from a single-dimensional flow path to a multi-dimensional flow structure by arranging flappers radially around a central axis. This radial arrangement creates multiple flow passages that operate in parallel, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to increase flow capacity while maintaining a compact valve body design
2Quantity of substance
If a traditional check valve design is used, then the package size is reduced, but the flow passage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple flow passages, each served by an individual flapper. This segmentation allows the total flow passage area to be distributed across multiple channels, achieving high flow capacity within a compact cylindrical valve body that maintains a small overall volume
Solution Approach 2:
The flapper elements are nested within the valve body in a radial arrangement, with each flapper positioned to create its own flow passage. This nested configuration allows multiple flow paths to coexist within the same volumetric envelope, maximizing flow passage area without increasing the external dimensions of the valve assembly
3Reliability
If a single flapper valve is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The valve uses multiple identical flapper elements that can be manufactured using the same process and then assembled in a standardized configuration. This segmentation into repeatable units maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving performance through increased flow capacity and enhanced reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-flapper design provides multiple functions within a single valve assembly: it maintains check valve functionality while simultaneously increasing flow capacity, improving response characteristics, and providing redundancy. This multi-functionality is achieved without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as each flapper is a simple, standardized component
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 provides a smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective solution with improved performance by allowing higher flow passage and better dynamic response in variable cam timing systems.
Implementation Method 1
When fluid flows through the openings of the valve seat, the fluid pushes the at least two flaps away from the valve seat and towards the stopper(s), permitting the flow of fluid into the variable cam timing phaser. When fluid flows from the body onto the at least two flaps, the fluid pushes the at least two flaps towards the valve seat, sealing the openings of the valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
An inlet check valve for controlling fluid from a supply into a variable cam timing phaser includes a double flapper check valve assembly with an open position and a closed position, which includes a housing having a body, at least one stopper, a flapper valve comprising at least two flexible flaps received within the housing and aligned with the stopper(s), and a valve seat received within the housing, the valve seat defining openings aligned with the at least two flexible flaps, axially opposite the two stoppers.