Hydraulic Valve Guide Clearance for Rod Recentering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diesel fuel injectors face operational issues due to pressurized fuel deforming the sleeve and rod, leading to incorrect valve operation, as the limited clearance between the rod and sleeve results in radial displacement and asymmetrical pressure distribution, causing torque and misalignment.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a hydraulic control valve with a tubular sleeve clamped in a bore, featuring increased functional sliding clearance in both convergence and divergence zones, achieved through annular grooves, diameter adjustments, or conical sections, to balance opposing forces and minimize friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the clearance between the rod and sleeve is limited, then the structural compactness is improved, but the rod undergoes radial displacement and misalignment due to pressurized fuel deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidvalve operation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different clearance characteristics to different zones of the guide zone. The convergence zone has a first clearance that allows radial displacement and recentering, while the divergence zone has a second clearance that prevents misalignment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing zone-specific functionality rather than a uniform clearance design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The guide zone is segmented into two distinct zones: a convergence zone and a divergence zone. Each zone has different clearance characteristics tailored to its specific function. The convergence zone handles radial displacement and recentering, while the divergence zone maintains alignment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both compactness and reliability through specialized zone design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the functional sliding clearance is increased in the divergence zone, then the forces acting on the rod are equalized and misalignment is reduced, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod alignmentVSAvoidclearance zone differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements local quality by giving different clearance characteristics to different zones. The convergence zone has a first functional sliding clearance optimized for recentering, while the divergence zone has a second functional sliding clearance optimized for alignment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing zone-specific functionality without requiring complete redesign of the entire guide zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The guide zone is designed with dynamic clearance characteristics that adapt to the operational phase. During the convergence phase, the first clearance facilitates radial movement and recentering. During the divergence phase, the second clearance maintains proper alignment. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve reliable rod alignment throughout the operational cycle while managing complexity through phased design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If pressurized fuel enters the annular space and passes through the sleeve, then the fuel delivery function is achieved, but the fuel deforms the sleeve and causes radial displacement of the rod

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel deliveryVSAvoidsleeve deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different clearance characteristics to different zones of the guide zone. The convergence zone has a first clearance that allows radial displacement and recentering, while the divergence zone has a second clearance that prevents misalignment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing zone-specific functionality rather than a uniform clearance design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of fuel-induced deformation into a beneficial recentering mechanism. The convergence zone is specifically designed to allow radial displacement caused by fuel pressure, and the asymmetrical pressure distribution is harnessed to create recentering forces that maintain proper rod alignment. Thus, the deformation that would normally be harmful is transformed into a useful alignment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively cancels or equalizes forces in the divergence zone, reduces friction, and maintains recentering forces, ensuring proper valve operation and alignment, thereby improving the injector's performance.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid valve that opens or closes a leak channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic armature attached to one end of the rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the pressurized fuel deforms the sleeve and the rod, displacing it radially

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

a tubular sleeve clamped in a bore in a first clamping zone and a second clamping zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPress-fit: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3908742B1Hydraulic valve
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 PHINIA DELPHI LUXEMBOURG SARL
  • EP3908742B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3908742B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3908742B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2E

AI summary

A hydraulic valve comprises a rod (58) guided slidingly in a bushing along a guidance zone (ZG) comprising a convergence zone (ZC) in which the forces acting on the rod tend to recentre it in the bushing and, a divergence zone (ZD) in which the forces acting on the rod tend to move it away from the axis, the two zones joining along a line of separation (M) situated in a second clamping zone, the functional clearance for sliding defined between the bushing and the rod being increased in the divergence zone (ZD).