Constant-Pitch Helical Valve Actuator for Linear Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control valves actuated by rotary motors face challenges in maintaining consistent force application during valve lift, leading to inefficient control and high variability in axial force, which complicates the management of fluid flow in engine pipes.
Innovation Solution
The engine control valve incorporates a constant-pitch helical connection and a linear-displacement transducer, converting rotational movement into translational movement of the valve shutter, ensuring a substantially linear force application throughout the valve lift, reducing force variation and improving control robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a non-constant pitch helical connection or double slope connection is used for movement conversion, then the force applied to the valve shutter can be stepped down rapidly after the start of valve lift, but the control complexity increases and the force application becomes non-linear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a constant-pitch helical connection instead of variable pitch or double slope connections. This maintains a linear relationship between rotational movement of the actuator and translational movement of the valve shutter, ensuring predictable force application throughout the valve lift phase while simplifying control algorithms and reducing computational requirements.
2Force
If force is concentrated at the start of valve lift, then the initial position forces are overcome more effectively, but the force distribution becomes non-linear and control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The constant-pitch helical connection maintains a consistent mechanical advantage throughout the valve lift phase, distributing force application evenly rather than concentrating it at the start. This linear force distribution simplifies control algorithms and makes the valve easier to operate across its entire range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical connection provides continuous and uniform force transmission from the actuator to the valve shutter throughout the entire valve lift phase. This continuous linear action eliminates the need for complex force distribution strategies and simplifies the control system while ensuring reliable valve operation.
3Device complexity
If a rotary sensor is used to determine valve shutter position indirectly, then the measurement system is simpler, but the measurement precision and control accuracy are reduced due to the indirect measurement and non-linear conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect rotary sensor measurement with direct linear-displacement transducer measurement. This substitution eliminates the need for complex conversion calculations and provides accurate direct measurement of valve shutter position, improving control precision while the linear movement conversion simplifies the overall measurement system.
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 configuration results in a more controllable and robust engine control valve with reduced force variation, allowing for consistent fluid flow management, as the axial force applied to the valve shutter varies linearly with valve lift, enhancing the valve's operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the movement conversion device comprises a constant-pitch helical connection for driving the translational movement of the valve shutter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an engine control valve (1) which comprises a rotatable actuator (7), a valve (5), and a movement transformation device (9) suitable for transforming the rotation of the actuator (7) into translation of the valve (5). The movement transmission device (9) comprises a helical link with uniform pitch for translating the valve (5).