Embedded Valve Actuator for Exhaust Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exhaust heat recovery devices with externally-carried valve actuators have complex structures, increased size, and high production costs due to the external placement of the valve actuator, which complicates the rotation of the bypass valve and increases weight.
Innovation Solution
An operating structure with an embedded valve actuator where the valve actuator is inserted into the heat exchanger, utilizing a piston, guide unit, displacement transmission medium, link unit, and elastic restoring unit to convert sliding motion into rotational motion, simplifying the structure and reducing size, weight, and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve actuator is disposed outside the heat exchanger, then the valve actuator can rotate the bypass valve, but the structure becomes complicated and the space occupied by the exhaust heat recovery device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuator is merged with the heat exchanger by inserting it into the heat exchanger body, combining two separate components into one integrated structure. This reduces the overall device complexity and decreases the space occupied by the exhaust heat recovery device while maintaining the bypass valve rotation function through the integrated actuator mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the valve actuator is disposed outside the heat exchanger, then the bypass valve can be rotated, but the space for placing other components is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the valve actuator into the heat exchanger structure, the external space requirement for the actuator is eliminated, thereby increasing the available space for placing other components within the exhaust heat recovery device assembly
3Volume of stationary object
If the valve actuator is inserted into the heat exchanger, then the overall size is reduced, but the structure for rotating the bypass valve becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuator is nested within the heat exchanger structure, with the actuator positioned inside the heat exchanger body. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall device size while the internal connection mechanism between the actuator and bypass valve maintains the rotation function through a compact integrated design
4Volume of stationary object
If the valve actuator is inserted into the heat exchanger, then the space occupied is reduced, but the production costs and weight are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the valve actuator into the heat exchanger creates a combined component that, while reducing overall device space, simplifies the total assembly process by eliminating separate mounting operations and reducing the number of individual parts, thereby potentially reducing production costs despite the increased complexity of the integrated component itself
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 embedded valve actuator configuration reduces the overall size of the exhaust heat recovery device, simplifies the assembly process, decreases production costs and weight, and ensures efficient operation by allowing the bypass valve to open and close effectively, enhancing packaging flexibility and engine output.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement transmission medium which is accommodated in the guide unit, and moved along with upward and downward movement of the piston
Implementation Method 2
an elastic restoring unit which applies elastic restoring force to the rod or the rotation shaft of the bypass valve
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger which communicates with the bypass passage, is coupled to a side portion of the bypass passage, and exchanges heat between the high-temperature exhaust gas and a low-temperature coolant
Data Source
AI summary
An operating structure of an exhaust heat recovery device may include a bypass valve rotatable about a rotation shaft to open and close a bypass passage; a heat exchanger communicating with the bypass passage, a valve actuator inserted into the heat exchanger, and having a piston moved upward and downward depending on a temperature of coolant; a guide unit in which an end of the piston is slidably inserted, and at which an end of a rod is slidably inserted; a displacement transmission medium accommodated in the guide unit, and moved along with the piston; a link unit rotatably connected to the bypass valve and the rod, and converting sliding motion of the rod into rotation of the bypass valve; and an elastic restoring unit operating the rod so that the rod is inserted into the guide unit, or operating the bypass valve so that the bypass valve is closed.