Extractable Valve Group with Segmented Obturator for Cooling Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve groups in cooling circuits of vehicles face challenges in effectively obstructing the passage of cooling liquid while maintaining durability and simplicity, and ensuring reproducibility over time without compromising the movement of components.
Innovation Solution
A valve group with a rotatable obturator that can be configured in open, obturation, and reduction positions, utilizing a cam element to drive the active portion radially and elastically, allowing for controlled obstruction and reduction of cooling liquid flow through a lead-through duct with specific inlet and outlet mouths, and a cartridge structure for easy insertion and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the obturator design is improved to enhance obstruction effectiveness, then the sealing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator is divided into distinct functional zones: a first portion with a first profile for engaging the inlet mouth and a second portion with a second profile for engaging the outlet mouth. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function, achieving effective sealing without requiring complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the obturator are given different geometric profiles tailored to their specific locations and functions. The first portion has a profile optimized for the inlet mouth geometry, while the second portion has a profile optimized for the outlet mouth geometry. This local optimization achieves high sealing efficiency without increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If the obturator geometry is modified to improve obstruction effectiveness, then the sealing efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the obturator into two portions with distinct profiles, each portion can be manufactured using standard machining or molding processes optimized for its specific geometry, rather than requiring complex multi-step manufacturing for a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex single-profile obturator and attempting to manufacture it, the invention inverts the approach by designing simpler segmented profiles that are inherently easier to manufacture while achieving the same or better sealing performance.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the valve group components are made durable for long-term operation, then the duration of action is improved, but the friction and wear on moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator portions can be manufactured from materials optimized for their specific functional requirements, allowing selection of wear-resistant materials for high-friction areas while using lighter materials elsewhere, thereby extending service life without uniformly increasing friction across the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiles of the obturator portions are specifically designed to optimize contact geometry and distribution, which can reduce concentrated stress and wear points, thereby extending the duration of action while minimizing friction and wear on moving parts.
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 valve group effectively controls the passage of cooling liquid, ensuring high sealing efficiency, minimizing oozing, and extending the life cycle of the obturator by reducing friction and wear, while allowing for interchangeable designs to meet specific needs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a cam element to drive the active portion radially and elastically
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a cam element to drive the active portion radially and elastically
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A valve group (10) for a pump (1) of a cooling circuit, wherein the pump comprises a pump body (2) having a housing compartment (200) in which said valve group (10) is insertable. The valve group (10) transversely * identifies a duct (14) for the passage of cooling liquid, and comprises an obturator (30) rotatable about a rotation axis (Y-Y). The obturator (30) comprises an active portion (31) that is drivable in rotation in a manner offset with respect to said rotation axis (Y-Y) and radially translatable during said rotation, engaged by a cam element (50).