Fuel Cell Valve Seat Sealing Structure for Low-Wear Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves for fuel cell systems face challenges in achieving an improved sealing effect while minimizing wear on the valve seat sealing element.
Innovation Solution
The valve design features a disc-like valve element with an annular valve element sealing surface and an annular valve seat with a sealing surface entirely on the sealing section, which is axially offset from the carrier element body section, allowing for enhanced deformability and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the valve seat sealing surface is formed on the support element body portion with axial overlap, then the structural stability is improved, but the sealing effect deteriorates and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is segmented into two distinct functional parts: the support element body portion providing structural stability, and the sealing element providing the sealing surface. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between stability and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing surface is positioned in a different axial dimension relative to the support element body portion. By offsetting the sealing surface axially beyond the body portion, the design eliminates radial blocking while maintaining structural stability, thus improving sealing effect without sacrificing stability.
2Strength
If the sealing section is positioned axially overlapping with the carrier element body section, then the structural support is improved, but the deformability of the sealing element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is separated from the carrier element body section into a distinct sealing section that projects axially beyond the body portion. This segmentation allows the sealing section to deform freely without being constrained by the rigid body portion, improving adaptability while the body portion maintains structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing section is positioned in an axial dimension that extends beyond the carrier element body section. This dimensional offset eliminates the radial blocking effect, allowing the sealing element to deform more easily and adapt to the valve element contour while the body portion retains its structural support function.
3Reliability
If the sealing section projects axially beyond the carrier element body section, then the sealing effect is improved through better deformability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is merged with the carrier element to form an integrated valve seat assembly. Although the sealing section projects axially beyond the body portion, the integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly, offsetting the apparent complexity with manufacturing and assembly benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve seat assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit where the carrier element body portion provides structural support, mounting, and positioning functions, while the sealing section provides the sealing function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving improved sealing.
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 enhances the sealing effect by allowing the valve seat sealing element to adapt better to the valve element, while minimizing wear through reduced radial blocking and improved deformability, resulting in a more efficient and durable valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
the valve seat sealing element, which is generally made of elastic material, such as rubber, can be deformed more easily
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A valve, in particular for a fuel cell system, comprising a disc-like valve element (66) pivotable about a pivot axis (S) between an open position and a closed position, wherein an annular valve element sealing surface (74) is provided on an outer peripheral region of the valve element (66), and an annular valve seat (48) surrounding a valve opening (50), wherein a valve seat sealing surface (70) is provided on an inner peripheral region of the valve seat (48), said valve seat sealing surface surrounding a valve opening center axis in a ring-like manner and in contact with the valve element sealing surface (74) in the closed position of the valve element (66), wherein the valve seat (48) comprises an annular valve seat carrier element (52) and an annular valve seat sealing element (72) carried on the valve seat carrier element (52), wherein the valve seat sealing surface (70) is provided on the valve seat sealing element (72),wherein the valve seat support element (56) has a support element body section (76) supporting the valve seat sealing element (72) against movement radially outward with respect to the valve opening center axis, wherein the valve seat sealing element (72) has on one axial side of the support element body section (76) a sealing section projecting axially beyond the support element body section (76) with respect to the valve opening center axis, characterized in that substantially the entire valve seat sealing surface (70) is formed on the sealing section (78).