Flap Valve Wall Proximity for Exhaust Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow control valves in exhaust gas recycling circuits face challenges in achieving high flow rates while maintaining a compact structure, as increased lift or diameter solutions lead to mechanical strength issues and size increases incompatible with restricted engine bay space and lightweight vehicle designs, causing flow disturbances.

Innovation Solution

A flow control valve design where the sliding valve is actuated to be in close proximity to the duct wall in the open position, minimizing fluid circulation behind the valve and reducing turbulence, with a deflection surface and specific geometry to enhance gas flow and prevent particle entry, ensuring efficient gas passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the lift of the valve is increased to increase the flow rate, then the flow rate of exhaust gases is improved, but the size of the valve increases and mechanical strength problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate of exhaust gasesVSAvoidsize of the valve
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the valve in the immediate vicinity of the duct wall in the open position, utilizing the third dimension (distance from wall) to optimize flow characteristics without increasing valve diameter or lift. This spatial arrangement reduces turbulence and improves flow rate while maintaining compact valve dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the diameter of the valve and seat is increased to increase the flow rate, then the flow rate of exhaust gases is improved, but the size of the valve increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate of exhaust gasesVSAvoidsize of the valve
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing valve diameter to improve flow rate, the patent utilizes the dimensional space between the valve and duct wall. By positioning the valve close to the wall in the open position, the patent optimizes flow characteristics through spatial arrangement rather than increasing cross-sectional area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the valve is moved away from the wall in the open position to increase passage section, then the flow area is improved, but turbulence and flow disturbances increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassage sectionVSAvoidflow disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by positioning the valve in the immediate vicinity of the wall rather than fully away from it. This partial positioning provides sufficient passage section while minimizing the harmful effect of turbulence and flow disturbances that would occur with complete separation from the wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This design achieves a high flow rate with a compact structure by minimizing turbulence and optimizing gas passage, supporting lightweight vehicle designs and adhering to space constraints while maintaining mechanical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The valve is set in motion by means of an actuator between its closed position and its open position to adjust the spacing (or lift) of the valve relative to its seat and thus the passage section of the exhaust gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 2

The proximity of the valve in the open position and the wall of the duct limits the circulation of fluid behind the valve and therefore the risk of disturbances in the flow between the seat and the valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP1941192B1Flap valve
Publication Date: 2010.01.13 VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR SAS
  • EP1941192B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1941192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve (100) including: a first duct (1) which opens into a second duct (2), such as to define an intersection forming a seat (7), perpendicularly to the first duct, for a flap (8) that can slide in the second duct perpendicularly to the seat between a closed position and an open position; and actuation means (12) for moving the flap between the two positions thereof. In the open position, the actuation means are controlled in order to bring the flap to a position directly adjacent to a wall (5) of the second duct, facing the seat.