EGR Valve Sensor Slope Segmentation for Precise Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional EGR valves face challenges in precisely controlling the amount of exhaust gas recirculation during the early open period due to abrupt increases in gas introduction, making it difficult to meet stringent emission regulations.

Innovation Solution

The EGR valve design incorporates a linear graph with different slopes for the early open period and maximally open period, allowing for more precise control of the valve member's movement and sensor output, enabling minute adjustments in exhaust gas flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If equal movement distance periods are used for sensor output, then the control system is simple, but the exhaust gas introduction cannot be precisely controlled in the early open period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidexhaust gas control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the valve opening process into two distinct periods: an early open period and a normal open period. Different sensor output characteristics are applied to each period, with the early open period using a first sensor output characteristic and the normal open period using a second sensor output characteristic. This segmentation allows precise control during the critical early opening phase while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the sensor output characteristic based on the valve opening state. During the early open period, the sensor outputs a first characteristic that provides finer resolution for small movements. During the normal open period, it switches to a second characteristic. This dynamic adaptation enables precise control when needed most without compromising overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a single linear relationship is used between sensor output and valve movement, then the system is simple to implement, but abrupt increases in exhaust gas introduction occur in the early open period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation simplicityVSAvoidabrupt exhaust gas increase
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different sensor output characteristics to different phases of valve operation. The first sensor output characteristic is specifically designed for the early open period to prevent abrupt exhaust gas increases, while the second characteristic handles the normal open period. This local quality approach addresses the harmful effect where it occurs without complicating the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sensor output parameter (voltage-output characteristic) based on the operating phase. By switching between different voltage-output relationships, the system can smoothly control exhaust gas introduction during the early open period and maintain efficient operation during the normal open period, eliminating abrupt increases without requiring complex mechanical modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design allows for precise control of exhaust gas recirculation, preventing abrupt increases and enabling compliance with stringent emission standards by accurately managing the valve's opening extent and corresponding sensor output.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet revolves in response to the rotation of the gear module. As the magnet revolves, the magnetic field generated by the magnet, which is sensed by the sensor, varies.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a sensor for sensing a magnetic field generated by the magnet... the sensor, which senses the magnetic field generated by the magnet, outputs a predetermined output voltage based on the sensed value of the magnetic field.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic sensing: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3081803B1Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve of which opening extent is precisely controllable in early open period thereof
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 KAMTEC
  • EP3081803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3081803B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081803B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3

AI summary

Disclosed is an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for vehicles and, more particularly, an EGR valve configured such that an amount of exhaust gas introduced through recirculation is precisely controlled in an early open period of the EGR valve. The EGR valve includes a valve member for opening and closing an EGR channel, a sensor unit for sensing an opening extent of the valve member and outputting an output voltage value corresponding to the opening extent of the valve member, and a controller connected to the sensor unit for recognizing the opening extent of the valve member based on the value output from the sensor unit to control the valve member, wherein a change in the opening extent of the valve member and a change in the value output from the sensor unit are linear, and a linear graph defining the relationship between the opening extent of the valve member and the output value from the sensor unit in a first period, which is an early open period after the valve member opens the EGR channel, and a linear graph defining the relationship between the opening extent of the valve member and the output value from the sensor unit in a second period, in which the valve member is maximally open after the first period, are realized so as to have different slopes.