Single-Piece Fluid Control Housing with Integrated Assembly Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for coolant flow in internal combustion engine cooling circuits require complex assembly processes due to multi-part housings that need to be disassembled, leading to increased production costs and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a housing featuring a dual-function assembly opening that also serves as an inlet or outlet, allowing for simplified assembly and integration with a single-piece design, minimizing the need for separate assembly openings and sealing arrangements, and incorporating a pivotable control element that reduces pressure drop and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-part housing is used for the control device, then the control element can be assembled separately, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires additional sealing arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing into a single integrated piece that incorporates both the flow channel and the assembly opening. This eliminates the need for multiple housing parts and separate sealing arrangements, simplifying the assembly process while reducing structural complexity. The single-piece housing is designed with an integrated assembly opening that allows direct access to the control element without requiring disassembly of housing sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly opening in the single-piece housing serves multiple functions: it allows control element assembly/disassembly and maintains fluid flow connectivity. The opening is designed to be large enough for control element access while the surrounding housing structure provides both structural support and fluid passage, eliminating the need for separate sealing components between housing parts.
2Ease of operation
If a separate assembly opening is provided, then the control element can be easily assembled, but the housing requires additional sealing arrangements and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly opening is integrated directly into the single-piece housing structure, combining the functions of access opening and fluid passage. This eliminates the need for separate sealing arrangements between housing parts and control element, as the housing is manufactured as one piece with built-in flow channels that maintain sealing integrity without additional seals.
3Strength
If the housing completely surrounds the control element, then the control element is protected, but the control device requires more construction space
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a selective opening that provides partial exposure of the control element. The housing surrounds the control element in most areas to provide protection, but includes a strategically positioned assembly opening that allows access to the control element for assembly and maintenance. This segmented approach maintains protection where needed while minimizing overall device volume by avoiding complete enclosure.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a fluid is described, having a housing, a first opening, a second opening, a channel running from the first to the second opening and a movable control element, which is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The first opening of the control device forms an assembly opening, through which the control element can be installed in the housing.