Passive Vehicle Flow Valve Using Acceleration-Driven Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active flow control devices in vehicles are costly and complex, relying on sensors and actuators to adjust airflow, which increases manufacturing and operational costs while reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A passively activated flow control device that uses acceleration-induced forces to shift a valve member between open and closed configurations, eliminating the need for electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic actuators, and employing a biasing element and damper to control the valve's position and rate of change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active flow control devices with sensors and actuators are used, then airflow control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device uses the vehicle's own acceleration forces to actuate the valve, eliminating the need for external sensors and actuators. The mass element automatically responds to vehicle acceleration, causing the valve to open or close based on driving conditions without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems (motors, hydraulics) with a passive mechanical response system. The valve is actuated purely by inertial forces from vehicle acceleration acting on a mass element, substituting active mechanical control with passive mechanical response.
2Measurement precision
If active flow control devices with sensors and actuators are used, then airflow control precision is improved, but manufacturing and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates expensive sensors, actuators, and computer control systems by using the vehicle's own acceleration forces to control the valve. This self-actuating mechanism dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining effective airflow control based on actual driving conditions.
3Device complexity
If passive flow control using acceleration forces is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control responsiveness may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed to be dynamically responsive to vehicle acceleration. The mass element and valve mechanism are configured to respond quickly to changes in acceleration, allowing the valve to open or close rapidly as driving conditions change, maintaining control responsiveness without complex electronics.
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 solution reduces manufacturing and operational costs by leveraging vehicle acceleration forces to control airflow, enhancing performance and range without requiring complex sensors or computer resources.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member is responsive to acceleration induced forces on the vehicle to shift from one of an open configuration and a closed configuration toward the other of the open configuration and the closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
the passively activated flow control device includes one of a biasing element that selectively urges the valve member toward one of the open configuration and the closed configuration
Implementation Method 3
a damper that controls a rate of change of the valve member between the open configuration and the closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A passively activated flow control device including a valve body configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The valve body includes an inlet and an outlet. A valve member is arranged at the valve body for selectively opening and closing flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve member is responsive to acceleration induced forces on the vehicle to shift from one of an open configuration and a closed configuration toward the other of the open configuration and the closed configuration.