Flow Control Valve With Segmented Member For Precise Engine Fuel Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow control valves in engines and turbocharged systems face challenges in accurately controlling both the flow rate and on/off functions, especially at low engine loads, requiring separate and expensive components for precise fuel injection and pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring a valve body with a linearly movable valve member and two sets of positioning means, allowing independent control of flow rate and on/off functions through adjustable cross-sectional flow areas, enabling precise flow regulation and quick response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single valve is designed to provide both on/off function and flow rate regulation, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to achieve both fast response time and precise control accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a first valve member portion for on/off control and a second valve member portion for flow rate regulation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a single valve body, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and functional precision
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed with dynamic positioning capability where the first and second valve member portions can be independently positioned along the valve axis. This dynamic arrangement enables the valve to switch between on/off mode and flow regulation mode by adjusting the relative positions of the two portions, achieving both fast response and precise control
2Device complexity
If a single valve is designed to provide both on/off function and flow rate regulation, then the number of components is reduced, but response time for opening and closing becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a first valve member portion for on/off control and a second valve member portion for flow rate regulation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a single valve body, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and functional precision
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed with dynamic positioning capability where the first and second valve member portions can be independently positioned along the valve axis. This dynamic arrangement enables the valve to switch between on/off mode and flow regulation mode by adjusting the relative positions of the two portions, achieving both fast response and precise control
3Adaptability or versatility
If flow rate control is achieved by controlling valve opening duration, then the system works within a narrow load range, but at low engine loads precise fuel amount control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the control parameter from valve opening duration to valve member position. By precisely controlling the position of the first and second valve member portions along the valve axis, the system can accurately regulate flow rate across a wide range of engine loads, including low load conditions where duration-based control fails
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The flow control valve (1) comprises a linearly movable valve member (5) having a first flow regulating surface (7), and a second flow regulating surface (8) facing the first surface (7), the first and the second surface (7, 8) being arranged so that the movement of the valve member (5) changes linearly the flow area be- tween the surfaces (7, 8). The valve (1) further comprises first positioning means (20), which are configured to move the valve member (5) for adjusting the distance between the first surface (7) and the second surface (8), and second positioning means (21), which are configured to switch the valve member (5) or the second surface (8) between a closed position, where the first surface (7) is against the second surface (8), and an open position, where the distance between the first and the second surface (7, 8) depends on the latest position of the valve member (5) determined by the first positioning means.