Removable Drain Valve Assembly With One-Way Flapper Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drainage valves in electric vehicle battery systems face structural weaknesses, compromising their performance and reliability, particularly in ensuring one-way fluid flow and resistance to unwanted water penetration.
Innovation Solution
A removable one-way drainage valve assembly with a poke yoke feature for simplified installation, a rigid support mesh for structural integrity, and a flapper mechanism for one-way fluid flow, along with torque resistance features and a sub-flush design for enhanced reliability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve assemblies are used, then basic fluid control is achieved, but structural weaknesses compromise performance and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separate components: a valve body with a first opening, a valve component with a second opening, and a support mesh. These segments are selectively positionable relative to each other to control fluid flow, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall structural integrity and reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional drainage valves are used, then fluid drainage is achieved, but resistance to unwanted water penetration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A support mesh is introduced as an intermediary component between the valve body and valve component. This mesh provides additional structural support and enhances the sealing interface, improving resistance to unwanted water penetration while maintaining proper fluid drainage functionality.
3Ease of operation
If removable valve design is implemented, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into removable components (valve body, valve component, support mesh) that can be independently installed and maintained. This segmentation enables easy removal and replacement of the valve component through the first opening without disassembling the entire battery housing, improving ease of operation despite the multi-component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mesh serves multiple functions: providing structural support to the valve component, enhancing sealing performance, and facilitating the removable design by creating a stable mounting interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing device complexity.
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 ensures reliable one-way fluid drainage, intuitive installation, and effective sealing, maintaining optimal performance and longevity by preventing backflow and protecting against interference.
Implementation Method 1
a flapper coupled to the rigid support mesh and configured to permit one-way fluid flow through the passageway
Implementation Method 2
an annular seal configured to form a seal between the valve body and the component opening
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a valve assembly to control fluid flow through a component opening in a component. The valve assembly includes a valve body, an annular seal, and a flapper. The valve body has a passageway through which fluid can flow. A rigid support mesh is located within the passageway. The rigid support mesh includes one or more walls configured to divide the passageway into two or more sub-regions, and a first plurality of ribs arranged transverse to a second plurality of ribs and configured to form a grid of mesh openings within each quarter-circle region. The flapper is coupled to the rigid support mesh and configured to permit one-way fluid flow through the passageway. The valve assembly is configured to removably couple with the component via the component opening.