One-way Valve for Hybrid Vehicle Battery Storage Basin
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, the drainage of liquids during the assembly process poses challenges due to large drain slots that are undesirable after painting, and there is a need for effective fluid management to prevent liquid ingress and egress in the storage basin housing high-voltage traction batteries.
Innovation Solution
A one-way valve is integrated into the storage basin floor, featuring a base with ring walls, a central arching surface, a diaphragm, and a cover with a seal, which allows fluid expulsion while preventing external liquid entry, using polypropylene materials and snap-fit engagement for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large drain slots are provided at the bottom of the door assembly for draining liquids, then liquid drainage during assembly is improved, but the appearance and integrity of the assembly are compromised after painting
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is extracted from the door assembly itself and relocated to a separate storage basin with an integrated one-way valve. This allows the door assembly to maintain its painted integrity while the storage basin handles liquid drainage independently through the valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A one-way valve acts as an intermediary component between the storage basin interior and exterior. It mediates the drainage function by allowing liquid to pass in one direction (outward) while blocking reverse flow, thus enabling drainage without requiring open slots in the painted assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the storage basin is sealed to prevent liquid ingress, then protection of battery components is improved, but liquid drainage during assembly becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve provides dynamic sealing that adapts to pressure conditions. During assembly when liquid needs drainage, the valve opens to allow outward flow. During normal operation when protection is needed, the valve remains closed to prevent inward liquid ingress, thus providing both functions through a single dynamic component.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve changes its flow resistance parameter based on pressure differential. When internal pressure exceeds external pressure (during drainage), the valve opens. When external pressure exceeds internal pressure (during protection mode), the valve closes. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both drainage and protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a one-way valve is integrated into the storage basin floor, then liquid-tight sealing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is merged with the storage basin floor structure, integrating the sealing function into the existing basin design. The valve base engages with the basin floor aperture, combining the floor structure and valve housing into a unified assembly that provides both structural support and liquid-tight sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve serves multiple functions: it provides liquid-tight sealing, enables controlled drainage, prevents liquid ingress, and maintains structural integrity of the basin floor. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the added sealing capability.
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 one-way valve effectively manages fluid within the vehicle by expelling liquids during assembly and preventing external liquid ingress, ensuring a liquid-tight seal and maintaining the integrity of the storage basin, even under wet conditions or during fording excursions.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm may prevent liquid flow from the exterior of the storage basin to an interior of the storage basin. The one-way valve may allow liquid within the storage basin to be expelled through the aperture.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-way valve is provided. The one-way valve includes a base having a first ring wall including a first aperture disposed therethrough. The base further includes a second ring wall coaxial with the first ring wall. The second ring wall includes a second aperture disposed therethrough and angularly offset from the first aperture. The base further includes a central arching surface. The one-way valve includes a diaphragm disposed on the central arching surface. The one-way valve further includes a cover secured to the base and defining an annular skirt region. The one-way valve further includes a seal disposed in the annular skirt region.