Non-negative Pressure Radiator Cap Vertical Valve Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiator caps allow coolant to flow back into the reservoir tank when the vacuum valve is opened, which affects the cooling system's efficiency and seal.
Innovation Solution
A non-negative pressure radiator cap design featuring a pressure valve, vacuum valve, sealing member, retainer, and guide that prevents coolant backflow by allowing vertical movement of the vacuum valve without rotation, utilizing a recessed groove for reduced friction and a stopper to restrict movement, ensuring a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vacuum valve is opened to allow coolant flow, then coolant can be supplied to the radiator, but coolant flows back into the reservoir tank due to vacuum pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum valve is designed to move dynamically between open and closed positions based on pressure conditions. When vacuum pressure opens the valve for coolant supply, the guide structure ensures it moves vertically to a closed position that prevents backflow, transforming a static sealing problem into a dynamic pressure-responsive solution
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vacuum valve and the valve body. It mediates the valve's movement by providing a constrained vertical path, ensuring the valve closes properly to prevent coolant backflow while allowing full opening for efficient coolant supply
2Ease of operation
If the vacuum valve rotates during operation, then it may align with sealing surfaces, but rotation causes misalignment and cooling performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure transforms the valve's motion from potential rotation to constrained vertical movement only. By providing lateral support and a defined movement path, the guide dynamically prevents rotational degrees of freedom while maintaining the valve's ability to open and close effectively for optimal cooling performance
3Reliability
If friction between vacuum valve and sealing member is high, then sealing may be improved, but movement resistance increases and valve operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure serves as an intermediary that distributes and manages the friction forces between the vacuum valve and sealing member. By providing a constrained movement path, it ensures consistent contact pressure for reliable sealing while reducing erratic friction variations that would hinder smooth valve operation
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
Prevents coolant backflow, enhances cooling performance by eliminating cavitation and flow noise, and improves the seal to prevent coolant vaporization, allowing for efficient temperature and pressure management in the cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure member being pressed based on an increase in pressure of coolant to move coolant toward a reservoir tank
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum valve having a head part and a neck part and configured to move vertically based on the pressure of the coolant to open or close the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A non-negative pressure radiator cap is provided and includes a pressure valve having a pressure member, disposed inside a body while having an aperture formed therein. The pressure member is pressed based on an increase in pressure of coolant to move coolant toward a reservoir tank. Additionally, a vacuum valve that includes a head part and a neck part moves vertically based on the pressure of the coolant to open or close the aperture. The neck part passes through the aperture from bottom to top. A sealing member is disposed between the pressure valve and the vacuum valve and has an insertion aperture that is formed at a position corresponding to the aperture of the pressure valve. A retainer is further inserted into the aperture and the insertion hole and a guide directs the vacuum valve to move vertically when the vacuum valve is opened or closed.