Expansion Valve Shield Structure Against Sliding Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control valves in air conditioning systems are prone to malfunction due to the entry of foreign materials, such as metallic powders, which can cause pressure differences and hinder smooth operation by adhering to the sliding portions.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design featuring a body with a valve hole, a driven member, a guide member, and a shield part that closes the opening between them when fully opened, preventing foreign materials from entering the spacing and causing malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve section is opened to allow working fluid flow, then the flow control function is improved, but foreign material can enter the sliding portion causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A shield part is introduced as an intermediary component between the driven member and guide member. This shield part selectively blocks foreign material from entering the sliding portion while allowing the valve to open for normal fluid flow operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure is segmented into multiple components: driven member, guide member, and shield part. This segmentation allows the shield part to specifically protect the sliding interface without interfering with the overall valve opening/closing function.
2Ease of operation
If foreign material enters the sliding portion, then adhesion occurs on the sliding surface, but this prevents smooth opening and closing of the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The shield part acts as a protective intermediary that prevents foreign material from reaching the sliding portion between the driven member and guide member, thereby maintaining smooth operation without adhesion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield part provides preliminary protection by blocking foreign material before it can enter and adhere to the sliding surfaces, preventing the adhesion problem before it occurs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An expansion valve (1, 201) according to one embodiment includes a body (5,205) having an internal passage through which the working fluid flows, a valve hole (16) provided in the internal passage, a driven member (22, 222) that opens and closes a valve section by touching and leaving the valve hole (16), a guide member (24, 224) that slidably supports the driven member (22, 222) inserted along the guide member (24, 224), and a shield wall (38, 138, 238), provided in the driven member (22, 222), which closes one end opening of the spacing between the driven member (22, 222) and the guide member (24, 224) when the valve section is fully opened.