Electromagnet Valve Assembly for Vehicle Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief valves in vehicles often fail to efficiently mitigate pressure build-up, leading to discomfort and difficulty in closing doors or windows due to 'wind throb' and pressure-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly featuring a flap and slider mechanism with an electromagnet that moves along an axis, allowing for precise control of flap positions from fully closed to fully open, reducing the number of moving parts and enhancing reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressure relief valves are used, then pressure build-up can be mitigated, but the valves fail to efficiently mitigate pressure build-up leading to wind throb and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly uses a dynamic slider mechanism that can move along an axis to adjust the flap position, transitioning from a static valve design to a dynamic one. This allows the valve to adaptively control airflow to efficiently mitigate pressure build-up and eliminate wind throb.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with an electromagnet-based actuation system. The electromagnet selectively actuates the slider, providing more reliable and efficient control of the flap position compared to conventional mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If complex valve mechanisms are used to control airflow, then pressure relief can be achieved, but the complexity and cost of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider and arm are integrally formed as a single component, reducing the number of separate parts. This merging of components simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to control flap position for pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from traditional valve mechanisms. By using a direct electromagnet-to-slider connection with an integrally formed arm, the design removes redundant parts that would increase complexity and assembly cost.
3Ease of operation
If multiple moving parts are used in the valve mechanism, then control flexibility can be achieved, but reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The integrally formed arm and slider reduce the number of separate moving parts, directly decreasing potential failure points while maintaining control flexibility through the slider's movement along the axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet system provides self-contained actuation without requiring complex mechanical linkages. The slider moves along guided rails, providing inherent stability and reliability while maintaining operational flexibility for flap position control.
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 solution effectively reduces pressure build-up by allowing controlled airflow, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing the complexity and cost of assembly, while providing efficient force transfer and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to move the slider along the axis
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnet is repels the target such that the slider moves along the axis in a first direction thereby causing the flap to move to a partially open or a fully open position
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a valve assembly for a motor vehicle, such as a pressure relief valve (i.e., an “air extractor”), and a method of using the same. In an example, the valve assembly includes a flap moveable to between an open position and a closed position, a slider moveable along an axis and including an integrally formed arm in contact with the flap, and an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to move the slider along the axis.