Integrated Non-Return Valve for Camshaft Adjusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing non-return valves for camshaft adjusters in internal combustion engines are complex and time-intensive to install, especially for small components, due to their multi-part construction, which increases handling costs and requires precise assembly.
Innovation Solution
A non-return valve is designed as a prefabricated structural unit with a rigidly connected seal seat and spring-like closing element, where the closing element is fixed to the seal seat at multiple points, allowing for simplified installation and operation, with the closing element automatically switching between open and closed positions based on pressurized medium pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return valve is constructed with multiple separate parts (closing element, seal seat, support structures), then the valve can be designed with specific functional requirements, but the installation becomes complex and time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the closing element and seal seat into a single integrated component where the closing element is directly formed as part of the seal seat structure. The closing element features an integrated support ring and fixing arms that are monolithically connected to the seal seat, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing installation complexity while maintaining all necessary functional characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-return valve uses multiple separate components, then each component can be optimized independently, but the handling and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the closing element with the seal seat to form a unified component structure. The closing element is integrated into the seal seat with its support ring and fixing arms forming a single manufacturable unit, thereby reducing the number of parts to be handled and assembled while preserving the ability to optimize the overall structure for manufacturing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the closing element is made spring-like for automatic operation, then the valve can open and close automatically based on pressure, but more force is required for the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a spring-like effect only in the closing element region while keeping the seal seat rigid. The closing element is designed with a specific geometry that provides elastic deformation capability localized to the area needed for automatic operation, allowing the valve to respond to pressure changes without requiring the entire structure to be flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is designed to dynamically change its state between closed (resting on seal surface) and open (lifted by pressurized medium) positions based on pressure conditions. This dynamic behavior allows automatic operation where the valve responds to changing pressure conditions without external control, optimizing ease of operation.
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 simplifies the installation process by integrating the components into a single unit, reducing complexity and handling time, while ensuring reliable operation with minimal external forces required for opening and closing the valve.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-like, flat closing element (10) that covers the opening (16) in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A non-return valve (8) having a sealing seat (2) having an opening (16) and also a resilient, flat closing element (10), which covers the opening (16) in a closed position. In view of simple assembly of the non-return valve (8), the closing element (10) and the sealing seat (12) are connected fixedly to one another and form a prefabricated structural unit (13).