Integrated EGR Valve Assembly With Single-Motor Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large number of valves used in internal combustion engines increases engine size, cost, and energy consumption, while also posing risks of failure, necessitating a solution to reduce the number of valves required for efficient fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multifunctional valve design with a single control member, comprising a disc with two halves that can rotate 180° to switch between two operating modes, allowing the same functions as two separate valves (EGR and EHR) with a single drive motor, reducing the number of valves needed and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate valves (EGR valve and EHR valve) are used to control fluid circulation in an engine, then the reliability and functional separation are improved, but the device complexity and engine size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valves (EGR valve and EHR valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. The control member is divided into two distinct parts: a first part that controls the EGR circuit and a second part that controls the EHR circuit. This merging approach reduces the total number of valves from two to one, thereby reducing device complexity and engine size while maintaining the functional separation and reliability of independent control for each circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is segmented into two functionally independent parts: a first part for controlling exhaust gas recirculation and a second part for controlling exhaust heat recovery. Each part can be independently positioned to regulate its respective fluid circulation path. This segmentation allows the single integrated valve to maintain the reliability and functional separation of multiple valves while reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate valves are used to control different fluid circulation paths, then the ease of operation for each function is improved, but the energy consumption to control each valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control mechanisms of two separate valves into a single control member with two independent parts. Both parts are actuated by a single drive motor, eliminating the need for two separate drive motors. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining independent control capability for each fluid circulation path through the segmented design of the control member.
3Ease of manufacture
If two separate valves are used for EGR and EHR functions, then the manufacturing cost per valve function is reduced, but the overall manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate valve assemblies into a single integrated valve body with a segmented control member. This reduces the total component count from two valves to one valve, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes. The modular segmented design of the control member allows for efficient production while reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (10) for a fluid circuit comprising a body (12) made up of at least a first housing (14) to which a first fluid circulation path (V1) is connected, a second housing (16) to which a second fluid circulation path (V2) and a third fluid circulation path (V3) are connected and in which a control member (20), mounted sealingly, is rotated about an axis (O) to occupy various positions in order to make the fluid circulate between the first fluid circulation path (V1) and the second and third fluid circulation paths (V2, V3), characterized in that since the first circulation path (V1) is permanently open to the circulation of the fluid, the control member (20) is configured to open or close the circulation of the fluid through the second circulation path (V2) and simultaneously regulate the circulation of the fluid through the third circulation path (V3).