Proportional Valve Diffuser Chamber Reduces Magnetic Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetically actuated proportional valves for CO2 air-conditioning compressors require large magnetic forces to adjust the valve body relative to the valve seat, leading to space and mass inefficiencies, particularly in motor vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a diffuser chamber that reduces the fluid pressure force on the valve body by creating a low-pressure area when fluid flows from a high-pressure connection to a lower-pressure connection, allowing for a smaller magnetic force to be used, achieved through a conical surface on the valve body and an inner conical surface forming the diffuser space, ensuring a permanent fluid connection even when the valve is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional valve body design is used without a diffuser chamber, then the valve structure is simple, but large magnetic force is required to adjust the valve body relative to the valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the valve body and the fluid flow path. This diffuser chamber mediates the fluid pressure forces acting on the valve body, reducing the net force that the electromagnetic actuator must overcome to adjust the valve body relative to the valve seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes fluid dynamic principles by creating a diffuser chamber through which fluid flows from a high-pressure region to a low-pressure region. The expanding cross-sectional area of the diffuser chamber converts fluid pressure into kinetic energy, generating a low-pressure zone that reduces the force required by the electromagnetic actuator to move the valve body.
2Area of stationary object
If large magnetic force is used to overcome full fluid pressure, then the valve can be reliably actuated, but the coil assembly and armature become large, limiting installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser chamber serves as a mediator that reduces the fluid pressure force acting on the valve body, allowing for a more compact electromagnetic actuator while maintaining reliable valve actuation. The intermediary structure enables space optimization without compromising the reliability of valve body adjustment.
3Weight of moving object
If large magnetic force is used, then the valve can overcome full fluid pressure, but the moving mass of the armature increases, leading to associated disadvantages
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser chamber acts as an intermediary that reduces the fluid pressure force that must be overcome by the electromagnetic actuator. This force reduction enables the use of a lighter armature with smaller moving mass, eliminating the need for large magnetic force and reducing the associated disadvantages of high armature mass.
4Reliability
If the valve body is in contact with the valve seat, then the fluid connection is sealed, but the fluid pressure force on the valve body is maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser chamber is designed to maintain fluid flow even when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat. This intermediary structure ensures that fluid pressure force is reduced through the diffuser effect while maintaining reliable fluid sealing between the valve body and valve seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser chamber creates a low-pressure zone in advance before the valve body contacts the valve seat, reducing the fluid pressure force that will act on the valve body during sealing. This preliminary action of pressure reduction enables reliable sealing with minimized force requirements.
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 the magnetic force required to adjust the valve body, enabling a more compact and efficient electromagnetic actuator, maintaining constant switching behavior and preventing compressor dry-running by ensuring a continuous fluid flow, thus optimizing space and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser chamber is defined by the valve body, which is preferably designed as a valve stem, and which, when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat, is fluid-conductingly connected to the first pressure port via a fluid connection defined by the valve body
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetically actuated proportional valve, in particular a differential pressure valve for use in CO2 air conditioning compressor arrangements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
An electromagnetically actuatable proportional valve (1), in particular differential pressure valve for use in CO2 air conditioning compressor arrangements, comprising an electromagnetic actuator (3) for adjusting a valve body (2) relative to a valve seat (5), wherein the valve seat (5) is assigned a first pressure connection (7), via which a fluid can flow bypassing the valve body (2) to a second pressure connection (9), wherein the valve body (2) delimits a diffuser chamber (30) which with the valve body (2) lying against the valve seat (5) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner with the first pressure connection (7) via a fluid connection (22) delimited by the valve body (2).