Multi-Recess Valve Assembly for Higher Volume Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle fluid flow control systems face challenges in providing efficient and cost-effective volume flow control with reduced installation space and potential for errors due to the increasing demand for innovative and robust methods.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit comprising an actuator, slide element, and spring element, where the slide element is displaceable and has two recesses to increase volume flow, allowing parallel connections for fluid control, with the actuator deflecting the slide element against the spring by a predetermined value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single recess is used in the slide element, then the structure is simple, but the volume flow capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The slide element is divided into multiple recesses (first recess, second recess, etc.) instead of using a single recess. This segmentation allows multiple fluid flow paths to exist simultaneously, thereby increasing the overall volume flow capacity while maintaining a relatively simple structural design within each individual recess.
2Productivity
If multiple recesses are added to increase volume flow, then the fluid flow capacity increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple recesses are merged into a single integrated slide element component. This allows the benefits of multiple flow paths to be achieved while manufacturing the element as one piece, reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps required, thereby controlling manufacturing complexity despite the increased functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides multiple recesses for parallel fluid flow paths, acts as a sealing element, and functions as the moving component controlled by the actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If a larger valve stroke is used to increase volume flow, then the flow capacity increases, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing volume flow by extending the valve stroke in one dimension (which would increase installation space), the invention creates additional flow paths by adding more recesses within the existing stroke dimension. This dimensional approach allows parallel fluid flow through multiple recesses simultaneously, achieving higher flow capacity without proportionally increasing the spatial footprint of the valve unit.
4Productivity
If different components are used to achieve higher performance, then the functionality improves, but the potential for errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is designed to use identical or homogeneous components where possible, particularly the slide element with its multiple recesses that can be replicated using the same manufacturing process. This homogeneity reduces the variety of different parts that need to be assembled and maintained, thereby reducing the potential for errors while still achieving high performance through the multi-recess design.
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 significantly increases volume flow capacity, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and minimizes installation space while maintaining component uniformity and stability, enhancing efficiency and reducing wear.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is configured to press the slide element against the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve unit (10) comprising an actuator (12), a slide element (14), a sleeve element (16), and a spring element (18), wherein the slide element (14) is displaceably arranged in the sleeve element (16), wherein the spring element (18) is configured to press the slide element (14) against the actuator (12), wherein the actuator (12) is configured to deflect the slide element (14) against the spring element (18) by a predetermined value, wherein the slide element (14) has a first recess (20) and a second recess (22), wherein the valve unit (10) is configured to provide a predetermined volume flow through the slide element (14) by means of the first recess (20) and the second recess (22) when the slide element (14) is deflected by the predetermined value.