Eccentric Valve Flact Pivot Axis for Coolant Pump Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical coolant pumps for internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving low actuation forces while maintaining long-term tightness of the closed outlet valve, especially at high rotational speeds and high fluid pressures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a valve flap with a pivot axis parallel to a symmetry plane and laterally eccentric from the valve seat plane, allowing for low actuation forces and reduced abrasion, along with a rubber coating for improved sealing, and a second outlet channel for minimum coolant flow, ensuring reliable operation even at high rotational speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pivot axis of the valve flap is arranged in the surface plane of the valve seat, then the valve structure is simple, but high actuation power is needed at high rotational speeds due to high fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is arranged with lateral eccentricity from the symmetry plane of the valve seat, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry generates a mechanical advantage where the fluid pressure acts at a greater distance from the pivot axis, reducing the actuation power needed to overcome the closing force at high rotational speeds.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pivot axis is positioned centrally on the valve seat plane, then the valve is symmetric and easy to manufacture, but long-term tightness deteriorates due to increased abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the pivot axis laterally eccentric from the symmetry plane, the valve flap operates in an asymmetric manner that reduces the contact pressure and sliding distance between the valve flap edge and valve seat. This asymmetric configuration minimizes abrasion and maintains long-term tightness while remaining manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis is moved from the traditional position in the valve seat plane to a position with lateral eccentricity, effectively changing the spatial dimension of the pivot axis location. This dimensional change optimizes the mechanical leverage and reduces wear on the sealing surface.
3Loss of time
If the outlet valve is closed during cold engine operation, then coolant circulation is reduced and warming-up phase is shortened, but at high rotational speeds high fluid pressure requires high actuation power to maintain valve control
Solution Approach 1:
The laterally eccentric pivot axis creates an asymmetric lever arm configuration that reduces the actuation power required to keep the outlet valve closed during high-speed operation, enabling the valve to remain reliably closed even under high fluid pressure conditions.
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
This configuration enables efficient control of coolant flow with reduced actuation forces and enhanced sealing, ensuring effective coolant circulation and heat management in internal combustion engines, particularly in high-performance engines like truck engines.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet valve arrangement comprises a valve flap configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position so as to open or close the valve opening of the first outlet channel. The valve flap comprises a flap seat configured to correspond to the valve seat. The valve flap is configured to rotate around a pivot axis which is parallel to the symmetry plane and which is arranged so as to have a lateral eccentricity from the symmetry plane.
Implementation Method 2
an impeller pump wheel configured to pump an incoming liquid coolant in an axial direction radially into the outlet volute
Implementation Method 3
along with a rubber coating for improved sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant pump includes an impeller pump wheel, a pump housing defining an outlet volute, and an outlet valve arrangement. The pump housing comprises an outlet volute housing which defines a first outlet channel comprising a valve opening. The valve opening is defined by a valve seat which defines a valve seat plane and a symmetry plane. The symmetry plane is arranged in the middle of and rectangular to the valve seat plane. The outlet valve arrangement is in the first outlet channel and comprises a valve flap which opens/closes the valve opening. The valve flap comprises a flap seat corresponding to the valve seat. The valve flap rotates around a pivot axis parallel to the symmetry plane and having an eccentricity from the symmetry plane which is between 1/20 and 1/1 of a distance of the pivot axis to the valve seat plane when the valve flap is open.