Insertable Check Valve Structure for Low-Turbulence Vehicle Fluid Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid circuits in vehicles face inefficiencies due to turbulence and pressure losses in non-return valves, leading to energy wastage and potential noise pollution from vibrations.

Innovation Solution

An insertable non-return valve design featuring a tubular body with radial lugs and an elastically deformable member to optimize fluid flow, reduce turbulence, and maintain sealing, while being reversibly mounted within a pipe to prevent exit and ensure tightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional non-return valve is integrated into a separate body, then the valve structure is robust and easy to manufacture, but the device complexity increases and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidvalve reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the non-return valve with the pipe itself by forming the valve components (shoulder, rim, seat) directly on the pipe surface through plastic deformation. This integration eliminates the separate valve body, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through the direct formation of sealing and structural features on the pipe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid conduit and the valve housing. The pipe's wall is plastically deformed to create the valve shoulder, rim, and seat, allowing the pipe to simultaneously perform structural support, fluid transport, and valve operation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the pipe internal diameter is enlarged to accommodate the valve, then the valve can be inserted into the pipe, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic deformation process is performed preliminarily on the pipe to create the valve features (shoulder, rim, seat) before the valve piston is assembled. This preliminary shaping of the pipe ensures proper fit and function while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled deformation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If radial lugs are added to the piston, then fluid flow is optimized and turbulence reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston is segmented with radial lugs that divide the fluid flow path into multiple channels. This segmentation reduces turbulence by distributing flow more evenly and minimizing eddies, thereby reducing energy loss while adding only minimal structural complexity to the piston component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If an elastically deformable member is mounted between the head and ring, then sealing is maintained under pressure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An elastically deformable member (such as a spring) is mounted between the piston head and the ring to maintain sealing contact under varying pressure conditions. This component compensates for pressure changes by deformable, ensuring the seal remains effective throughout the valve's operating range while adding minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances energy efficiency by minimizing pressure losses and noise, ensuring reliable sealing and reduced energy consumption by limiting vibrations and leaks.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable member mounted between the head and the ring and configured to subject the seal to axial bearing against said seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

this movement 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 restoring force imposed by said member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce: Force

Data Source

PatentEP4108964B1Insertable check valve for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 HUTCHINSON SA
  • EP4108964B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4108964B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4108964B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Insertable non-return valve (100) for a fluid circuit, particularly in a vehicle, this valve (100) being configured to be inserted into a pipe (12) and comprising: - a tubular body (102), - a ring (104) having guides (140), - a piston (106) configured to cooperate by sliding with said guides (140) and carrying a seal (146), and - an elastically deformable member (108) for applying axial pressure to said seal (146) against a seat (124) of the tubular body (102), said piston (106) having on its external periphery lugs (166) which are configured to bear axially against an internal cylindrical shoulder (126) of said body (102), in order to precisely define a first position of the piston, the fluid being intended to flow between these lugs (166) when the piston (106) is in a second position.