Rotatable Shutter Valve Assembly for Cooling Liquid Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for cooling circuits in vehicles lack effective and precise control over the flow of cooling liquid, primarily regulating by obstructing or allowing flow through inlet or outlet mouths using cam mechanisms, which is not sufficient for efficient temperature management during varying engine conditions.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a rotatable shutter and a passage area that adjusts the flow rate of cooling liquid based on the shutter's angular position, allowing for predefined regulation of the flow, including open, closed, and intermediate configurations, with a linear trend of flow rate adjustment as the shutter rotates, and an actuation device for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If valve assemblies regulate flow by obstructing inlet or outlet mouths using cam mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the flow control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static cam-based obstruction mechanisms with a dynamic rotatable shutter system. The shutter can rotate to different angular positions (0° to 90°) to dynamically adjust the flow passage area, enabling precise flow control. The shutter's rotational movement allows continuous adjustment of the flow rate by varying the exposed passage area, transforming the valve from a binary open/closed state to a continuously adjustable flow regulator.
2Reliability
If the shutter is positioned far from inlet/outlet mouths to guide flow, then the valve can be actuated, but the flow regulation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the passage area itself as an intermediary element between the shutter and the inlet/outlet mouths. Instead of positioning the shutter far away and relying on flow guidance, the passage area is strategically positioned to directly connect the inlet and outlet mouths. The rotatable shutter controls this intermediate passage area, which mediates the flow between inlet and outlet, ensuring both effective flow regulation and proper fluid dynamics.
3Measurement precision
If conventional valve assemblies are used, then the structure is straightforward, but precise predefined regulation of cooling liquid flow cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the angular position of the shutter (from 0° to 90°) to change the effective flow passage area. This geometric parameter change directly controls the flow rate of cooling liquid. By rotating the shutter to different angles, the system can precisely regulate the flow rate according to different thermal conditions, transforming a single-parameter valve design into a multi-parameter control system where shutter angle becomes the controlling variable.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1'~2'
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
A valve assembly (10) for a pump (1) of a cooling circuit of a vehicle having a pump body (2) with a housing compartment (200) downstream of the impeller (4) in which said valve assembly (10) it is insertable in removable manner. The valve assembly (10) extends along an axis (Y-Y) identifying transversely to it a through duct (14) and parallel to it a passage area (140) for the cooling liquid. The valve assembly (10) comprises a shutter (30) drivable in rotation and comprising an operating member (31) rotatable in an offset manner in such a way that as a function of its angle of rotation with respect to the axis (Y-Y) it cooperates with the passage area (140) identifying a passage opening (140') such as to provide a ratio (R) of the opening angle (α) /flow rate of cooling liquid (Q) having a predefined trend.