Double-Pressure Capsule Assembly for Low-Energy Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable valve actuation systems in internal combustion engines have a high energy consumption impact.
Innovation Solution
A double pressure capsule assembly that includes a plunger and check valve system within a housing, allowing for selective actuation of a valve by controlling fluid pressure in multiple chambers, minimizing energy consumption through optimized surface area differences and check valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional single-pressure capsule system is used for variable valve actuation, then the structure is simpler, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule system is divided into two separate pressure chambers (first chamber and second chamber) that can be independently controlled. Each chamber has its own pressure source and can apply pressure to different sides of the plunger, enabling selective actuation with reduced energy consumption by only pressurizing the necessary chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses movable components including a plunger that can move between engaged and disengaged positions, a check valve that can switch between open and closed positions, and a piston that can move between first and second positions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt pressure application to actual operational needs, reducing wasted energy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plunger surface areas are made equal, then the structural design is simpler, but selective actuation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed with asymmetric surface areas: a first surface area bordering the first chamber and a second surface area bordering the second chamber, where the first surface area is less than the second surface area. This asymmetry enables differential pressure application and provides mechanical advantage for selective actuation in different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface areas are assigned to different regions of the plunger to optimize local pressure application. The larger second surface area allows for greater force generation when the second chamber is pressurized, while the smaller first surface area reduces the force when the first chamber is pressurized, enabling versatile valve control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the check valve remains constantly open, then fluid flow is unrestricted, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed to dynamically switch between open and closed positions based on pressure differential. When the piston moves to the first position, it engages the check valve and closes it, isolating the first sub-chamber from the second sub-chamber. This dynamic closing action maintains pressure in the active chamber and prevents energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve operates automatically based on pressure differential without requiring external control. When pressure in the second chamber exceeds pressure in the first chamber, the check valve closes to maintain the pressure differential, providing self-regulating energy efficiency.
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 system effectively reduces energy consumption by selectively engaging and disengaging the plunger with the valve, enhancing efficiency and functionality in valve actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber fluidly connected to a first source of fluid at a first pressure
Implementation Method 2
The plunger has a first surface area bordering the first chamber
Implementation Method 3
A check valve is disposed within the second chamber for selectively dividing the second chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber
Implementation Method 4
The piston is movable between a first position wherein the piston engages the check valve and moves the check valve to the open position and a second position wherein the piston is disengaged from the check valve
Data Source
AI summary
A double pressure capsule assembly for actuating a valve. The capsule assembly includes a plunger movable between a deactivated position wherein the plunger is disengaged from the valve and an activated position wherein the plunger engages the valve. The plunger divides the housing into a first chamber connected to a first source of fluid at a first pressure and a second chamber selectively connected to a second source of fluid at the first pressure. The plunger has a first surface area bordering the first chamber and a second surface area bordering the second chamber. The first surface area is less than the second surface area. A check valve divides the second chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. A piston is disposed in the second chamber and is movable to engage the check valve and move the check valve to the open position.