Dual-Spring Actuation for Air-Intake Shutoff Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-intake shutoff valves in internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving complete closure due to high airflow volumes and velocities, leading to delayed or incomplete closure, which can result in engine damage and premature wear, especially in environments with volatile hydrocarbons.
Innovation Solution
An actuation system comprising a housing with a first piston, a second piston, a piston rod, a first spring, and a second spring, where the first spring is compressed to a predetermined length before the second spring initiates compression, ensuring the gate is fully closed despite aerodynamic forces, and a position sensor is used to confirm closure and coordinate with other valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single spring actuation system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the valve closure reliability deteriorates due to insufficient force to overcome high airflow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two separate springs (first spring and second spring) that operate in sequence. The first spring provides initial closure force when the valve transitions from open to closed position, while the second spring provides additional force to ensure complete closure against high airflow resistance. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for specific phases of valve operation, improving overall reliability without requiring a single overly complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The first spring performs preliminary action by compressing first to initiate valve closure, creating the conditions necessary for the second spring to then engage and complete the closure. This sequential preliminary action ensures that the valve begins closing before the full airflow resistance is encountered, allowing the second spring to work with reduced aerodynamic opposition and ensure complete closure.
2Loss of time
If the valve closes quickly to prevent engine damage, then the response time is improved, but the aerodynamic forces increase causing incomplete closure
Solution Approach 1:
The first spring is compressed before the second spring initiates compression, creating a staged closure sequence. This preliminary action by the first spring begins the closure process early, reducing the time the valve remains partially open, while the sequential engagement allows the second spring to complete closure with optimized force application that overcomes aerodynamic resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure process is segmented into two phases corresponding to the two springs. The first phase (first spring) handles the initial closure movement, and the second phase (second spring) handles the final sealing action. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both speed and completeness by distributing the work across two specialized components.
3Force
If a dual spring system is used, then the valve closure force is increased to overcome airflow resistance, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total closure force requirement is segmented between two springs, each responsible for a portion of the work. The first spring handles the initial closure force requirement, and the second spring provides additional force for complete sealing. This segmentation allows each spring to be smaller and simpler than a single spring would need to be to provide the total force, potentially reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system merges two spring mechanisms into a coordinated unit that operates sequentially. By combining the forces of two springs in a structured sequence rather than operating them independently or simultaneously, the system achieves high closure force while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve remains partially open due to airflow pressure, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the engine damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first spring performs preliminary compression action to initiate valve closure before the full force of airflow pressure can prevent complete closure. This preliminary action creates momentum and positioning that enables the second spring to overcome the remaining aerodynamic resistance and achieve complete closure, eliminating the partially open condition that would allow harmful factors to affect the engine.
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
Ensures reliable and complete closure of the air-intake shutoff valve, preventing engine damage and maintaining the engine's natural firing order, while reducing premature wear through a dual spring design that overcomes airflow resistance and synchronizes valve operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring and the second spring are configured to bias the valve to a closed position
Implementation Method 2
The first spring is arranged between the first piston and the second piston. The second spring is arranged between the second piston and the end wall
Implementation Method 3
as the gate transitions from an open position to the closed position, a resulting pressure differential across the air-intake shutoff valve may exert a relatively significant force on the gate
Implementation Method 4
an airflow may possess a generally high volume and velocity. Therefore, as the gate transitions from an open position to the closed position, a resulting pressure differential across the air-intake shutoff valve may exert a relatively significant force on the gate
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation system for a valve is disclosed. The actuation system comprises a housing having an end wall. A first piston and a second piston is slidably positioned within the housing. The second piston is positioned between the first piston and the end wall. A piston rod is coupled to the first piston and slidably extends through the second piston and the end wall. The piston rod is configured to be coupled with the valve. A first spring is arranged between the first piston and the second piston. Further, a second spring is arranged between the second piston and the end wall. The first spring and the second spring are configured to bias the valve to a closed position.