Integrated Thermo Valve Structure for Compact Coolant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve unit for internal combustion engine cooling water systems is oversized due to a double structure in the valve case that houses the thermo valve and includes a valve seat, which is further covered by a housing for the electromagnetic control valve.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit configuration that includes a valve case with a main body housing the thermo valve and a sleeve protruding outward, featuring a sub-flow path with a cooling water storage chamber, lead-out, and lead-in passages, and a sub-valve attached to the sleeve to open and close the sub-flow path, thereby eliminating the need for a double structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a double structure is used where the valve case is covered with a housing for the electromagnetic control valve, then the electromagnetic control valve can be mounted separately, but the valve unit becomes oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnetic control valve directly onto the valve case by providing a mounting portion on the valve case itself, eliminating the need for a separate housing structure. This integration reduces the overall valve unit size while maintaining the capability to mount and operate the electromagnetic control valve effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate housing is provided to cover the valve case and mount the electromagnetic control valve, then the electromagnetic control valve can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve case is designed with an integrated mounting portion that directly accommodates the electromagnetic control valve, merging the housing function into the valve case itself. This reduces structural complexity while preserving independent control capability through the electromagnetic actuator that operates the second valve body.
3Device complexity
If the valve case is designed as a single integrated structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electromagnetic control valve cannot be easily mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve case is segmented into a main body and a mounting portion, where the mounting portion is specifically designed to receive and secure the electromagnetic control valve. This segmentation maintains overall structural simplicity while facilitating easy mounting of the electromagnetic control valve through the dedicated mounting interface.
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 configuration allows for downsizing of the valve unit by preventing the valve case from being formed in a double structure, while maintaining the functionality of the thermo valve and sub-valve in controlling the flow of cooling water.
Implementation Method 1
the wax 51i incorporated in the temperature sensing unit 51j expands or contracts due to a temperature change of the cooling water to move the piston 51h forward and backward
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic coil 52d is disposed so as to surround the magnetic body 52c... When a control current is supplied to the electromagnetic coil 52d, the electromagnetic control valve 52 opens and closes
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a downsizable valve unit. A valve unit 1 includes a valve case 4 including a valve case main body 4A where a thermo valve 2 is housed and a valve seat 4Aa which a valve body 2b unseats from and seats on is formed, and a sleeve 4B formed protruding outward from the valve case main body 4A; a sub-flow path R2 formed to include a cooling water storage chamber S formed inside the sleeve 4B, a lead-out passage 4Ae communicating the upstream side of the valve seat 4Aa in the valve case main body 4A with the cooling water storage chamber S, and a lead-in passage 4Af communicating the downstream side of the valve seat 4Aa in the valve case main body 4A with the cooling water storage chamber S; and a sub-valve 3 attached to a sleeve 4B to open and close a sub-flow path R3.