EGR Valve Spring Guide Relief for Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EGR valves face reliability issues due to complex assembly of return springs, which can jam and prevent the valve from closing properly, leading to excessive exhaust gas admission and potential engine failure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a guide relief system, featuring ribs and helical ramps, to prevent excessive deformation of the return spring and ensure its effective operation, allowing for easier assembly and reliable valve function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the return spring is received in a groove between the toothed sector wheel, the cam, and the support member, then the return spring can be connected to the toothed sector wheel, but the return spring can become stuck in the groove when the toothed sector wheel pivots, reducing its radius of curvature and potentially preventing the valve from closing
Solution Approach 1:
A guide relief structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the return spring and the groove. This guide relief prevents the return spring from becoming stuck in the groove during pivoting motion, mediating the interaction between the spring and the structural components while maintaining reliable valve closure without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide relief is divided into multiple ribs that segment the groove space. This segmentation allows the return spring to be guided through specific paths, preventing jamming while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The ribs create discrete guidance zones that manage the spring's movement independently
2Reliability
If manual intervention is required on the assembly line to place the end of the return spring in the hole formed in the radial projection of the toothed sector wheel, then the return spring can be connected to the toothed sector wheel, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring is designed to be self-installing through the guide relief structure. During assembly, the spring automatically engages with the guide relief ribs and positions itself correctly without requiring manual intervention to place the end in the hole. The guide relief structure guides the spring into its final position, making the assembly process automatic and improving productivity while maintaining connection reliability
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 guide relief system enhances the reliability of the EGR valve by preventing spring jamming, ensuring proper valve closure and reducing the risk of engine failure by maintaining the effectiveness of the return spring.
Implementation Method 1
a control mechanism for opening the valve, such as a toothed sector wheel, which rotates against a return spring acting in torsion
Implementation Method 2
The return spring also maintains the control mechanism in a predetermined position when not actuated, despite any vibrations to which the valve may be subjected
Implementation Method 3
the guide relief prevents excessive deformation of the return spring, which could cause it to jam inside the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve, such as a valve for a motor vehicle and, in particular, an exhaust gas recirculation valve, comprising a sector gear (14) rotating against the action of a return spring (16) acting in torsion. The rotation of the aforementioned sector gear (14) controls the opening and closing of the valve. One of the faces of the sector gear (14) comprises at least one relief form for guiding the return spring (16), preferably disposed radially inside the return spring (16).