Insert Check Valve Assembly for Low-Loss Vehicle Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connection devices and non-return valves in vehicles face inefficiencies due to turbulence and pressure losses, leading to energy inefficiency and potential noise pollution from vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic connection device with a non-return insert valve that features a tubular end-piece and flanges for connection, along with a piston and elastically deformable member to optimize fluid flow, reduce turbulence, and maintain the seal, while the valve is inserted into a pipe to prevent exit and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return valve is integrated into a separate body attached to pipes, then the valve function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the non-return valve with the pipe itself by creating an integrated structure where the valve is formed as part of the pipe wall. This eliminates the need for a separate valve body and reduces the number of components, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining the non-return function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid conduit and the housing for the non-return valve mechanism. The pipe wall itself incorporates the valve structure, allowing a single component to perform both transport and flow control functions.
2Device complexity
If the pipe internal diameter is enlarged to accommodate the valve, then the valve can be inserted directly, but the pipe volume and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is nested within the pipe wall structure itself. The valve is formed as an integral part of the pipe, with the valve body and sealing elements embedded within the pipe wall thickness, allowing the valve to be accommodated without significantly increasing the external pipe dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe structure is modified locally at the valve insertion point rather than enlarging the entire pipe. The internal diameter is enlarged only in the specific region where the valve is inserted, while the rest of the pipe maintains its original dimensions, minimizing material consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional valve structures are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but turbulence and pressure losses occur leading to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The valve sealing surfaces and flow passages are designed with curved and rounded geometries rather than sharp edges and flat surfaces. The sealing bead contacts the pipe wall along a curved interface, and the flow path around the valve is smoothed to reduce turbulence, thereby minimizing pressure losses while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design incorporates specific geometric parameters such as the angle of the sealing bead, the radius of curvature of flow passages, and the dimensions of the valve opening that are optimized to reduce flow resistance. These parameter changes are achieved through standard manufacturing processes while significantly reducing energy losses.
4Reliability
If the valve is inserted into the pipe, then the valve is secured in position, but the pipe material must be plastically deformable
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is pre-formed with a section of enlarged internal diameter before final assembly. This preliminary shaping creates the insertion space for the valve, and the plastically deformable material allows this shaping to be performed using standard forming processes. The valve is then inserted into this pre-prepared space and secured.
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
The solution reduces turbulence and pressure losses, improves energy efficiency, and minimizes noise by ensuring precise sealing and vibration control, thus enhancing the performance of fluid circuits in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable member mounted between the head and the ring and configured to bias the seal in axial support against said seat
Implementation Method 2
this displacement being intended to be caused by a fluid which is intended to apply a force on said second side, which is greater than an elastic return force imposed by said member
Implementation Method 3
the first pipe being made of a plastically deformable material
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic connection device (10) for a fluid circuit, in particular of a vehicle, this device comprising a first pipe (12), a tubular end-piece engaged in the first pipe (12), a first flange (16) mounted around the first pipe (12), a second flange (18) mounted around the end-piece, at least one element (20) for attaching the first and second flanges (16, 18) one against the other, and a non-return insert valve (100) mounted within the first pipe (12).