Flat Armature Gas Valve for Internal Combustion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valves for internal combustion engines are not compact enough, have low actuating dynamics, and are energetically inefficient, particularly in regulating gas flow for gas or gas-diesel engines.
Innovation Solution
A compact gas valve design featuring a flat armature with integrated pole and sealing surfaces, radially oriented inflow bores, and a central guide bore to minimize mass and enhance dynamics, along with a sealing element and annular groove to optimize sealing and reduce overall height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional gas valve design with separate valve closing element is used, then the valve can effectively control gas flow, but the overall size and mass of the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve closing element functionality directly into the armature by forming a sealing surface on the armature that interacts with the valve seat. This integration eliminates the need for a separate valve closing element, reducing the number of components and overall valve size while maintaining effective gas flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuating component for the magnetic valve and as the valve closing element through its integrated sealing surface. This multi-functionality reduces component count and simplifies the overall valve structure.
2Speed
If the armature mass is reduced for faster switching, then switching dynamics improve, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure where the armature is made of a lightweight material (such as aluminum or aluminum alloy) while the sealing surface is formed from a different material (such as elastomer or composite material) that provides superior sealing properties. This combination achieves both low mass for fast switching and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature features localized material property optimization where the sealing surface has different material characteristics (softer, more compliant) compared to the main armature body. This local quality enhancement ensures reliable sealing while the overall lightweight construction maintains fast switching dynamics.
3Weight of moving object
If radially extending inlet bores are added to reduce armature mass, then switching dynamics improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is segmented with radially extending inlet bores that divide the internal structure into multiple flow paths. This segmentation reduces the amount of material required in the armature while maintaining structural integrity and providing gas flow pathways, thereby reducing mass without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 design results in increased switching dynamics, reduced energy requirements, and a more compact form factor, ensuring efficient and secure gas flow regulation while minimizing tilting moments and mass to be moved.
Implementation Method 1
The gas valve comprises an electromagnet (1) and a movable armature (2) that interacts with the electromagnet (1)
Implementation Method 2
The armature (2) is acted upon by the spring force of a closing spring (5) in the direction of a valve seat element (3) that forms the valve seat (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas valve for dispensing a gaseous fuel into an intake tract of an internal combustion engine, comprising an electromagnet (1) and an armature (2) which can be moved upwards and which co-operates with the electromagnet (1), which in the direction of a valve seat element (3) which forms a valve seat (4), is subjected to the spring force of a closing spring (5). According to the invention, the armature (2) is designed as a flat armature and comprises a plate-shaped section (6), which comprises on one side a pole surface (7) which co-operates with the electromagnet (1) and on the other side, a sealing surface (8) which co-operates with the valve seat (4).