Expansion Valve Power Element With Adjustable Diaphragm Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion valves require costly changes in molds and parts to fine-tune refrigerant flow rate characteristics with temperature, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A power element with a diaphragm, upper lid member, annular support point adjustment member, and receiving member, allowing the diaphragm to contact a support point, enabling adjustment of refrigerant flow rate characteristics without significant changes in mold shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the shape of the power element is changed to fine-tune temperature/flow rate characteristics, then the desired flow rate characteristics are obtained, but the cost increases due to mold changes
Solution Approach 1:
The power element is divided into separate components: the diaphragm, the support point adjustment member, and the receiving member. This segmentation allows the support point diameter to be adjusted by changing only the support point adjustment member rather than the entire power element, reducing mold change costs while achieving desired temperature/flow rate characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of the support point diameter through the support point adjustment member to fine-tune the temperature/flow rate characteristics. By adjusting this specific parameter rather than changing the overall shape of the power element, the desired characteristics are achieved without requiring expensive mold changes
2Manufacturing precision
If the support point diameter is adjusted to fine-tune flow rate characteristics, then the temperature/flow rate characteristics are optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support point adjustment member serves multiple functions: it provides the support point for the diaphragm, allows for diameter adjustment to fine-tune characteristics, and can be replaced to change flow rate characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, optimizing temperature/flow rate characteristics without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support point adjustment member is designed to be replaceable, allowing the diameter to be dynamically adjusted by swapping components. This dynamic adjustment capability enables fine-tuning of temperature/flow rate characteristics without permanently complicating the device structure
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
Enables desired temperature/flow rate characteristics while maintaining low costs by allowing for flexible adjustment of support point diameters using interchangeable components.
Implementation Method 1
If the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the fluid inflow chamber is low, heat is taken from the working gas in the pressure working chamber to cause contraction, and if the temperature of the refrigerant is high, heat is applied to the working gas in the pressure working chamber to cause expansion.
Implementation Method 2
If the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the fluid inflow chamber is low, heat is taken from the working gas in the pressure working chamber to cause contraction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a power element and an expansion valve using same that are capable of obtaining a desired temperature/flow rate characteristic while being low cost. A power element includes a diaphragm; an upper lid member that is joined to one side of an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm and forms a pressure working chamber PO with the diaphragm; an annular support point adjustment member that is joined to another side of an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm; a receiving member that is joined to the support point adjustment member and forms a refrigerant inflow chamber LS with the diaphragm, and a stopper member housed in the refrigerant inflow chamber LS, wherein the diaphragm is capable of coming into contact with a support point of the support point adjustment member.