Pressure-Balanced Switch Valve for Full Opening Under Fluid Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic switching valves for motor vehicle oil or coolant circuits are characterized by a heavy and large structure, which limits their compactness and efficiency due to fluid forces causing the valve element to reset to its closed position, preventing a 100% open position.

Innovation Solution

A pressure-balanced electromagnetic switching valve with a hollow-walled valve element and a valve element collar designed to face the valve seat, featuring a pressure-compensating axial through-bore and a spring device to maintain the valve in an open position, allowing for reduced size and weight while ensuring complete opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional electromagnetic switching valves are used, then the valve can be actuated to open or close the circuit, but the valve structure is heavy and large, and fluid forces cause the valve element to reset to closed position preventing 100% opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve sizeVSAvoidvalve opening completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a pressure-balanced design with a pressure compensation chamber and hollow-walled valve element. These structural modifications change the pressure distribution parameters within the valve, creating a pressure equalization force that counteracts fluid closing forces and enables complete valve opening while reducing the required valve size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure compensation chamber acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the fluid pressure forces and the valve element. By introducing this intermediate chamber that can be pressurized through the axial through-bore, the system balances the forces acting on the valve element, allowing it to overcome fluid forces and achieve full opening without requiring a larger structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Weight of moving object

If conventional electromagnetic switching valves are used, then the valve can function in oil or coolant circuits, but the valve weight is excessive and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve weightVSAvoidfluid closing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow-walled valve element design changes the physical parameters of the valve structure by reducing material density while maintaining structural integrity. Combined with the pressure-balanced design, this allows the valve to withstand fluid closing forces with significantly reduced weight compared to conventional solid-walled valve elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure compensation chamber creates a counterbalancing force that opposes the fluid closing force acting on the valve element. By pressurizing this chamber through the axial through-bore, the system generates an upward force that counteracts the downward fluid pressure, reducing the net force that the valve structure must withstand and thereby reducing required material and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 enables a smaller, lighter electromagnetic switching valve with improved performance by maintaining the valve in a completely open position without fluid-induced closure, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions during engine starts.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet which has a coil and a movable armature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the switching valve is designed to be pressure-balanced and that the valve element of the switching valve is designed with at least approximately hollow walls pointing in the direction of the valve seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3359851B1Electromagnetic switch valve
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 KENDRION (VILLINGEN) GMBH
  • EP3359851B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromagnetic switch valve (10) for opening or closing an oil or coolant circuit in a motor vehicle, having an electromagnet, which has a coil (24) and a movable armature (34), wherein the armature (34) is coupled to a valve element (40), via which a valve seat (69) in the coolant circuit can be sealed, wherein the switch valve (10) is designed to be pressure balanced, and the valve element (40), pointing in the direction of the valve seat (69), is designed to be at least approximately hollow-walled.